All We Know So Far Of 28 Years Later (2025)
The post-apocalyptic thriller genre is about to be revitalized with 28 Years Later, the much anticipated sequel to 28 Days Later (2002) and 28 Weeks Later (2007). The film is directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, which signifies his return to the project that housed one of the most acclaimed zombie films of the modern century. Cillian Murphy has also taken interest in the project as an executive producer, and with rumors floating that he will be appearing in the film, this has become a highly anticipated event in cinema.
Context: The Lead Up to 28 Years Later
The 28 Days Later franchise has had a massive impact on the zombie genre. The first film to step into the franchise was released in 2002, and with it came new aspects of horror cinema; these include, a militarized infection, rapid movement, handheld cinematography, and close examination of the psychological effects of survival. The sequel, 28 Weeks Later (2007), took things further by showcasing the effects of military action during a viral outbreak, however, even after the success of the film, a third installment was nowhere to be seen for a long time.
For years there were whispers about 28 Months Later, but it wasn’t until 2024 that Boyle and Garland confirmed their involvement with 28 Years Later and announced the start of a new trilogy that would expand the scope of the series.
For years there have been whispers concerning what was thought to be the 28th installment of the classic “28 Days” movie series. However, having attended the 2024 spring international cultural festivals in both Canada and the US, I learned from advantageous journalists that such rumors will be dispelled reporting that Boyd and Garland had come forward. With their announcement, they concurrently let it be known that not only are North Americans going to have to prepare for a new trilogy that is set to redefine the boundaries of the franchise, but also officially a year later.
The movie will depict events that occur nearly 30 years after the initial outbreak of the rage virus. The plot focuses on a world that is completely different than how we know it. 28 Years is subjected to a dramatic twist giving a glimpse view of the evolution of rage over the decades, coupled with instruction of the mutated version of its infection as well as the blend of human civilization.
The film captures a storyline of a band of survivors who, for years, have managed to survive and rest on a moderately civilized fortified island that is located off the britains’ coasts. The survivors had maintained an unsteady peace while waiting for something interesting to challenge the northern island and step back into the civilized overgrown land sizzled and chicken full of mysteries.
Contrary to their expectations, the survivors’ reality defies every expectation at bay concerning the infected inhabitants and the state of the land beyond. Unlike the first two movies, which focused on the earliest spread and its associated consequences, the newest addition seeks to unravel the enigma of a more sophisticated phase beyond the rage mutation.
A trailer released in December 2024 featured masked survivors in a dystopian London, overrun by nature, and the icing on the cake, a man with deep blue eyes, most likely from Murphy‘s Jim, struggling to contain his rage.
The film’s cast is jam packed with A-List actors both new and familiar faces to the franchise which sure will get fans excited.
The Premiere Cast includes,
Jodie Comer (The Last Duel, Killing Eve) as Isla who sets off on a harrowing journey to the mainland.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Bullet Train, Craven the Hunter) as Jamie, a soldier turned mercenary who understands the infected’s evolution.
Ralph Fiennes as Kelson the head of the island settlement who conceals a virus surrounding mystery.
Jack O’Connell (SAS, Unbroken) is anticipated to expand his newly claimed role in the sequel.
Would you remember Cillian Murphy? He wowed viewers in the 28 Days Later film as Jim while confirming executive producing the film. With him being involved in the making of the film as a producer does entice fans to see what role he takes, portraying an infected or not.
There have been claims that Imogen Poots is set to reprise her role as Tammy, but these claims are yet to be verified.
Production: The Boldest Experiment Yet
The preceding works have a different look and feel because it was filmed using a mixture of handheld cameras and digital cameras. 28 Years Later is the first to make use of custom modified iPhone 15 Pro Macs. Director Danny Boyle, who recorded the raw 28 Days Later with budgeted digital cameras, wanted to extend the boundaries of mobile filmmaking.
Cinematography: Anthony Dod Mantle (Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours) will be returning as the cinematographer. He captures everything in a documentary style so he used custom lenses and stabilization rigs to make sure the film had a rough look.
Practical Effects & Locations: 28 Years later, unlike most modern blockbusters, is based around a story that requires real locations instead of CGI. Large portions of London and Manchester were set ablaze with nature and had their city streets dressed up for the rest of the film.
Boyle and Garland have underscored that 28 Years Later will explore expansion as well as intimacy and the combination with the theme of evolution guaranteed sets off fears and a look into the devastative effects of an apocalypse.
New Trilogy and Franchise Future
Perhaps the most thrilling detail of 28 Years Later is how it marks the first installment of a new trilogy.
The working title for the sequel is 28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple, and it is currently in pre-production with Nia DaCosta (Candyman, The Marvels) attached to direct.
This new trilogy will delve deeper the mythology of the rage virus and demonstrate how various regions of the world have either adjusted to, or been overwhelmed by, the infection after many decades.
Due to the surge in elevated horror (a byproduct of films like Hereditary, The Last of Us, and A Quiet Place), the 28 Years Later trilogy will be able to reclaim modern horror storytelling unlike any other.
Trailer Breakdown and Fan Speculation
Fans were left on the edge of their seat after the release of the first official teaser in December 2024.
Some of the most talked about scenes include:
A still shot of London, bursting at the seams as nature attempts to reclaim the city, with the remnants of Big Ben partially hidden behind thick vines:
Newly infected Survivors adjusting to the Other Side, stealthily crawling through tunnels toward new foes.
An eerie military base is shown, clearly filled with experiment cages, hinting that some factions have been exploring – or even turning – the virus into a biological weapon.
Mysterious silhouette identified by Jim’s (Cillian Murphy) vividly glowing, bloodshot eyes, bringing new theories into play suggesting that he’s died after being infected and mutated.
Some fans suggest that a major outbreak might return, or perhaps there is now an “intelligent” infected who has evolved.
Where to Stream and When
28 Years Later has a theatrical release for the date of June 20, 2025, worldwide.
No streaming partner has been assigned yet. HBO Max and Hulu have reportedly been in talks to acquire the rights for a digital release in 2026.
Concluding Thoughts: How 28 Years Later Might Change Horror Film Rules
The 28 Days Later franchise has never been simply a zombie collection; it has always been an analysis of the human spirit when faced with destruction, looking at the political and existential aspects deeply.
Boyle and Garland are back in action with an amazing cast and modern shooting techniques. With 28 Years Later, there is the possibility to:
✔ Bring back the franchise for a younger audience who loves horror
✔ Change the narrative for post-apocalyptic films
✔ Provide the most horrific rage virus depiction to existence