An apocalypse three decades in the making: Everything we know so far about ’28 Years Later’
One of the most influential horror movies of the 21st century, Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later popularised the sprinting zombie, which would soon go on to become a staple of the undead subgenre and remains so to this day.
While it was a nail-biting and nerve-shredding exercise in tension that captivated viewers all over the world, at the end of the day, 28 Days Later was still an independent British film. However, it proved so successful, and the concept of a virus-ravaged apocalypse was so wide open for further exploration that a sequel was given the green light.
Juan Carlos Fresnadillo’s 28 Weeks Later may have peaked during its unforgettable opening scene, but it was still a serviceable enough follow-up that ended on yet another sequel-baiting note. And yet, it’s only recently that the third entry in the series has gained significant traction, with 28 Years Later finally evolving from a pipedream into a full-blown production.
17 years after the release of the first instalment, 28 Years Later wasn’t only officially confirmed, but announced as the start of a brand new trilogy. The creative team have never denied their interest in continuing the story, but after it was spoken about for so long without ever coming to fruition, the chances of it actually happening grew increasingly slim.
It’s all systems go now, though, with cameras rolling on 28 Years Later. With that in mind, it’s the perfect time to dive in, dig as deep as possible, and relay everything known about the film so far.
What is 28 Years Later about?
Plot details on 28 Years Later remain virtually non-existent, but seeing as it’s clear from the title that the world is still struggling to contain the virus that caused the outbreak almost three decades ago, it would be safe to assume things are not going well for the last remnants of humanity.
28 Days Later ended on an optimistic note, with the infected dying in the streets from salvation, whereas 28 Weeks Later concluded with flesh-hungry hordes of the undead emerging from a Paris train station to illustrate the zombies had gotten a taste for sampling life on the continent.
At the very least, it can be inferred that 28 years have passed since the initial outbreak and the human race continues to battle for survival in a world where it’s no longer top of the food chain. Based on how the previous two chapters panned out, that isn’t going to be good news for the characters.
Is 28 Days Later director Danny Boyle involved?
The band is most definitely getting back together for 28 Years Later, with original director Danny Boyle not only returning behind the camera but co-writing the screenplay with regular collaborator and 28 Days Later scribe Alex Garland.
The pair will also produce alongside Andrew Macdonald, Peter Rice, and Bernie Bellew, with cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle rounding out the behind-the-scenes talents who are making their return from the 2002 opener.
However, Boyle will step back for the middle chapter of the new trilogy while remaining part of the production team. The vacancy was quickly filled when the Candyman reboot and The Marvels director Nia DaCosta was drafted in to take over.
Who’s in the 28 Years Later movie cast?
Kicking the casting process off with a bang, 28 Years Later wasted little time loading up on star power after two-time Bafta and one-time Primetime Emmy winner Jodie Comer was announced for a lead role alongside two-time Academy Award nominee and Tony winner Ralph Fiennes, with rumoured James Bond frontrunner Aaron Taylor-Johnson rounding out the initial powerhouse trio.
The following month, Jack O’Connell was revealed to be joining them, but the production no doubt has at least a couple of surprises left up its sleeve. After all, production is now underway on 28 Years Later, and there are going to be many more roles needing to be filled, whether it’s major supporting parts or background cannon fodder ready to be devoured by the hordes.
Are any actors reprising their roles in 28 Years Later?
Cillian Murphy has always been open to reprising his breakout role of Jim if Danny Boyle ever got around to making 28 Years Later a reality. He’s proven himself to be a man of his word after signing on to provide some connective tissue to the first movie.
It was Sony boss Tom Rothman who confirmed the news to Deadline, but he was reticent to offer any further details beyond Murphy’s return happening “in a surprising way and in a way that grows, let me put it that way.”
That being said, it stands to reason that Murphy may not only survive 28 Years Later but make it all the way through to the end of the trilogy after the Academy Award-winning Oppenheimer star was also named as an executive producer on the entire three-film journey.
Where is 28 Years Later being filmed?
Principal photography on 28 Years Later began on May 7th, 2024, in Northumberland. Boyle and his crew touched down in Rothbury and put out a casting call seeking extras for the scenes being shot on location.
The production has also been seen filming in various other backdrops in the North East, with crews spotted in Newcastle and Kielder Forest, as well as the outcrop of Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island. With a 16th-century castle taking pride of place against the windswept backdrop, it’s not difficult to imagine it serving as a base of operations or sanctuary for the movie’s survivors—unless, of course, the zombies have learned how to swim.
When will 28 Years Later be released?
Sony is potentially eying 28 Years Later as being ideal R-rated counterprogramming during the blockbuster season, with the long-awaited sequel being handed a prime summer release date.
If everything goes according to plan, the hotly-hyped continuation of the horror franchise will be coming to cinemas on June 20th, 2025. With a reported budget of $75million, it’s over three times as expensive as the previous two combined, with the studio hoping that its investment will pay off in the form of a box office bonanza.
