EXCLUSIVE: While Danny Boyle is set to return to direct 28 Years Later, the first film in the new trilogy based on the iconic horror films Boyle helped launch, Sony Pictures is already lining up the helmer who will direct the second film in this new reimagined series. While a deal hasn’t closed yet, sources tell Deadline Nia DaCosta is in talks to direct the second part of the upcoming 28 Years Later trilogy at Sony with Boyle, Garland, Andrew Macdonald and Peter Rice producing along with Bernie Bellew. 28 Days Later Cillian Murphy star will exec produce.

While exact dates are unknown sources the plan is for Boyle to direct the first one later this year with the second film immediately after the first shoot which is why the studio is moving fast to lock in that second director. This way the directors can get on the same page on where they see the story will while also bringing their own unique visions for each film. Garland will pen each installment.

While plot details on this new trilogy are vague the first film 28 Days Later watched as Murphy’s bicycle courier woke up from a coma to discover that the world had been overrun with zombies, following the outbreak of a virus. Pic grossed over $82M worldwide and led to production of 2007 sequel 28 Weeks Later, on which Boyle and Garland served solely as EPs.

As for DaCosta, the rising star in the director ranks the exact fit the franchise is looking given how impactful her directing style has been especially with her horror thrillers like Candyman.

Up next, DaCosta wrote, directed, and produced the MGM Orion Pictures and Plan B film Hedda, a visceral reimagiation of the famed Henrik Ibsen stage play “Hedda Gabler” starring Tessa Thompson in the title role. Previously, she directed and co-wrote The Marvels starring Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris and Iman Vellani, and Candyman, a contemporary spiritual sequel of the 1992 cult horror classic of the same name for Universal and Monkeypaw Productions. The film received rave reviews and opened to #1 at the box office, making DaCosta the first Black female director to open at the top of U.S. box office charts. DaCosta made her feature debut with the critically acclaimed Little Woods, which she wrote and directed. 

DaCosta is repped by CAA, Entertainmen