28 Years Later: The Complete Insight

Danny Boyle and Alex Garland have joined forces once again for 28 Years Later, the long-awaited zombie sequel. Here's everything we know so far about the release date, casting, and more.

One of the most memorable and chilling scenes of 2000s cinema is the sight of Cillian Murphy, dressed in hospital clothes, wandering through a deserted London with a bag of food. Unbeknownst to him, almost a month had passed since the world had ended.

28 Days Later is widely regarded as a milestone in the horror sub-genre of zombie films. Not only is it a chilling and emotionally impactful experience in its own right, but its introduction of sprinting zombies became a highly influential element. Three years later, 28 Weeks Later was released, although it was considered a weaker follow-up, it did feature one of the most frightening opening sequences of the decade.

Despite serving as executive producers on the sequel, the creators are now returning to take the lead on 28 Years Later. Here's what we know so far.

Is there a 28 Years Later release date?

28 Years Later doesn’t have a release date yet – but it won’t be here until 2025, if not 2026.

The Hollywood Reporter has just announced the third installment, with Garland and Boyle on board, but the script is still in progress. A new trilogy may be in the works with "28 Years Later" in development.

ScreenTime tweeted on January 10, 2024 that the possibility of a new trilogy for 28 Years Later is being explored, with the complete package being made available to interested studios, streamers, and other buyers in the upcoming week. The tweet mentioned that Boyle is set to direct the first installment and Garland would be writing all three movies, with a budget of approximately $75 million for each film.

28 Years Later cast: Who’ll be in it?

The determining factor will be the scheduling, but at present, Boyle is not involved in any other major projects, and with Garland gearing up for the press tour of A24's Civil War, there is a possibility that production could start later this year. However, this is purely speculation, and we will continue to provide updates in this space with any new information.

The cast for 28 Years Later has not been announced yet, but the stars of the previous two films have shown interest in returning to their roles. For instance, Cillian Murphy, who is a contender for his first Oscar for Oppenheimer, has expressed his willingness to come back for a third film. He mentioned in a 2021 interview with CinePOP, "I never say never. I loved making that film. It was a long time ago, about 20 years ago. But of course, I would like to."

In November 2022, the star spoke with NME about the possibility of making a comeback. “I think there’s a problem with that, in that I’m 20 years older,” he initially joked, before stating: “But every time I do bump into Danny or Alex I always mention it. Because I showed it to my kids recently, some Halloween about four or five years ago, and they loved it. It really stands up, which is amazing for a film that’s 20 years old. So yeah, I love the idea and it’s very appealing to me.”

Searchlight Pictures

Last July, Murphy mentioned to Collider that he had been discussing with Boyle the approaching 28-year anniversary of their first film. "But as I've always said, I'm ready for it. I would love to do it. If Alex Garland believes there is a script and Danny wants to do it, I'm on board," he stated.

Imogen Poots, known for her role in 28 Weeks Later, expressed her enthusiasm for a potential return to the franchise in an interview with JoBlo. She described the movie as a first love, highlighting the experience of working with actors like Rose Byrne and Jeremy Renner. Poots also praised the director, Juan Carlos Fresnadillodo, and expressed admiration for the work of Alex Garland and Danny Boyle.

28 Years Later plot: What would it be about?

Details about the plot of 28 Years Later are currently unknown, but the title suggests that the movie would likely showcase the condition of the UK (and possibly the global situation) almost thirty years after the initial outbreak of the rage virus.

Although the first film ended with a glimmer of hope as Murphy and his group managed to outlast the epidemic, 28 Weeks Later delivered a chilling conclusion. Flynn rescues Andy and Tammy after eliminating Don, then transports them to France - unaware that Andy is infected. In a matter of moments, a swarm of zombies descends upon the Eiffel Tower in Paris, signaling the virus's arrival in continental Europe.

In 2022, Boyle expressed to NME his interest in directing the film, stating that it feels like the right time. He noted the appeal of the script being set in England and the need for compelling reasons for people to go to the cinema, especially with the challenges faced by film distributors and cinema chains. Boyle emphasized the potential draw of a third installment of the film if it was well-made.

We currently do not have any further plot details, but we will continually update this space with any new leaks, rumors, or information. Stay tuned for the latest updates on 28 Years Later! In the meantime, be sure to explore our other related content below.

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Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am thrilled about the news of the upcoming sequel, "28 Years Later." The original film, released in 2002, left a lasting impact on the horror genre with its unique take on the zombie apocalypse and its introduction of fast-moving, rage-filled infected. The sequel promises to bring back the same level of intensity and suspense, and I can't wait to see how the story unfolds 28 years after the events of the first film.

The potential return of Cillian Murphy as the protagonist, Jim, is particularly exciting. Murphy's portrayal of a lone survivor navigating a desolate and dangerous world was one of the highlights of the original film, and his presence in the sequel would undoubtedly add a sense of familiarity and continuity. The involvement of Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, the creative minds behind the first two films, further elevates my anticipation for "28 Years Later." Their expertise in crafting thrilling and thought-provoking narratives gives me confidence that the sequel will live up to the legacy of its predecessors.