Danny Boyle, the mastermind behind the groundbreaking 2002 horror thriller '28 Days Later,' is set to helm the eagerly anticipated first sequel in the beloved franchise. Meanwhile, Nia DaCosta, whose talents were showcased in last year's 'The Marvels,' is now poised to join the '28 Years Later' universe. The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that the filmmaker is in negotiations to direct the second installment of Sony's upcoming horror trilogy.
Returning to the director's chair, Danny Boyle will once again collaborate with writer Alex Garland, who penned the original script for '28 Days Later.' This time, they aim to create a sequel that builds upon the terror and intrigue of the first film. As previously reported by THR, the long-awaited sequel, along with a second film, has found a home at Sony Pictures, with Garland scripting both installments.
Adding to the excitement, Cillian Murphy, the star of the original film and this year's Oscar-winning performance in 'Oppenheimer,' is set to executive produce the new project. Rumors are swirling that he may even reprise his iconic role.
DaCosta, whose horror credentials are solidified with her directorial efforts in 'Candyman' for Universal and Jason Blum, is bringing her unique vision to the franchise. Her sequel to the 1992 original 'Candyman' hit theaters in 2021, starring an ensemble cast including Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, and Colman Domingo.
'28 Days Later' followed the terrifying tale of Murphy's character, a coma patient who awakens to a desolate world overrun by the undead. The film captivated audiences worldwide, grossing over $80 million at the box office, and spawned the 2007 sequel '28 Weeks Later,' though Boyle and Garland only served as executive producers on that installment.
DaCosta, who made her directorial debut with 'Little Woods' in 2019, is also helming 'Hedda,' an upcoming feature adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's classic play 'Hedda Gabler' from Amazon MGM Studios' Orion Pictures. Tessa Thompson stars in the titular role, and the film's release date is yet to be announced.
Deadline was the first to report on DaCosta's potential involvement in '28 Years Later,' and it seems the horror franchise is set to enter an exciting new era with these talented filmmakers at the helm.
