The much-anticipated continuation of the iconic horror franchise, 28 Years Later, has hit a speed bump regarding the development of its third installment. Alex Garland, the original creator and writer, has cast some uncertainty over his involvement in the final film of the new trilogy.

Set against the backdrop of a ravaged United Kingdom, the 28 Days Later series, and now 28 Years Later, plunges viewers into a terrifying world overrun by the Rage virus, transforming its victims into relentless, aggressive beings. After nearly two decades of silence, the announcement of a new trilogy reignited excitement among fans. Garland was expected to pen all three scripts, with Danny Boyle, the director of the first film, slated to direct the first and third movies.

However, in a recent interview with The Playlist, coinciding with the release of his new war movie, Warfare, Garland revealed that he has only completed the scripts for the first two installments. When questioned about his involvement in writing the third film, he remained non-committal, deviating from the initial plan.

This revelation raises questions about the future of 28 Years Later 3. The simultaneous confirmation of all three movies led many to assume that the script for the final chapter was already in progress. Moreover, the back-to-back filming schedule of the first two movies further fueled expectations that production on the third would soon follow.

Danny Boyle's previous statements indicate a cautious approach, emphasizing the importance of audience feedback on the first film before commencing production on the third. This approach aligns with Garland's hesitance to confirm his involvement, suggesting that the reception of the first film will significantly influence the direction and content of the trilogy's conclusion.

Despite the uncertainty, it is plausible that Garland and Boyle have established a general story outline or a detailed plan for the finale, considering the initial simultaneous development of all three films. However, Garland's reluctance to confirm his return opens the door for the possibility of another writer taking the helm.

Garland's previous involvement in the sequel, 28 Weeks Later, where he contributed uncredited additional material after the original script underwent significant revisions, demonstrates his willingness to collaborate and adapt to evolving project needs. Should Garland return, the feedback on the first film could solidify the direction of 28 Years Later 3 by the end of Summer 2025.

Scheduling may present challenges given the A-list talent involved. However, production could still commence towards the end of the year, providing Garland with ample time to complete the script and allowing for subsequent production arrangements.

While the lack of a completed script and Garland's uncertain return may cause concern, there is still ample time for the situation to evolve. The impact of fan feedback on the threequel is an intriguing aspect, and Garland's recent desire for a break from directing might reinvigorate his passion for writing, leading him to tackle the trilogy capper when the time is right.

28 Years Later is slated for release on June 20, 2025, with Danny Boyle directing and both Boyle and Alex Garland credited as writers. Andrew Macdonald and Cillian Murphy serve as producers. The film follows a group of survivors on an isolated island, nearly three decades after the initial outbreak, as they venture into the quarantine zone and uncover dangerous secrets.