Danny Boyle Just Dropped A '28 Years Later' Update AND Named His Pick For The Next James Bond

Stop scrolling, because Danny Boyle just gave us a two-for-one: a promise about the next zombie sequel AND a very strong opinion on who should be 007. Yes, really.

The director was at the Zurich Film Festival, where he was presenting his new Netflix drama Ink, when he started spilling, according to Variety.

The Tea ☕

• Boyle says "28 Years Later" part 3 WILL happen, and there's already a script from Alex Garland.
• He says it'll have "a lot of Cillian Murphy in it."
• His pick for Bond? Jack O'Connell.

Part 3 Is Happening (Eventually)

Boyle is adamant the third film is coming. Per Variety, he said it "will get made because people keep asking about it," adding that he's not sure exactly when, but there's "a very good script" by Alex Garland. He also joked that the film might end up with a different title entirely.

Now for the part fans will be screenshotting. Boyle said the movie will feature plenty of Cillian Murphy. Whether the Oscar winner will "take his kit off anymore," though? Boyle admitted he doesn't know, quipping that Murphy "has the Oscar now." We are NOT okay. 🧟

The Bond Plot Twist

Then came the 007 chat. Asked about the Bond rumor mill, Boyle didn't hesitate: "They should cast Jack O'Connell as Bond."

That's a fun pick, especially since O'Connell stars in Ink, the Boyle-directed drama that follows Larry Lamb, the editor Rupert Murdoch hired to run The Sun, as Variety describes it. Boyle gushed about his lead during a festival masterclass, pointing to O'Connell's performance in Back to Black as proof of his range.

Boyle also got a little wistful about his own Bond history. He was previously attached to No Time to Die before exiting, reportedly over creative differences with producers and star Daniel Craig. Of the story he developed, he said: "It's a shame, because it could have been really good."

No bitterness about the franchise's future, though. He said he thinks Denis Villeneuve, who is reportedly set to direct the next Bond, will look after the series very well. Boyle called him "amazing."

A Quick Reality Check

To be clear, this is one director's opinion, not a casting announcement. Boyle isn't attached to the new Bond, and nobody has confirmed O'Connell is even in the conversation. Consider this a very enthusiastic fan vote from a guy who knows the franchise from the inside.

So What Now?

We have a sequel with no release date, a script we'll be thinking about constantly, and a Bond pitch that's now officially in the group chat.

Honestly? Jack O'Connell as 007 is not the worst idea we've heard all week.

Sources:

• Variety

So, NewsFizz fam: is Jack O'Connell your next Bond, or who's your dream 007? And are you more excited for Cillian Murphy's return to the '28 Years Later' world? Sound off below.