The Evolution of a Zombie Franchise: 28 Years Later

The Long-Awaited Return

The much-anticipated return of the 28 Days Later franchise is sending waves of excitement through the fan base. After years of eager anticipation, 28 Years Later has finally been given the green light, promising to delve into the post-apocalyptic world decades after the rage virus outbreak. While details of the storyline remain shrouded in mystery, fans are fervently hoping for a bold departure that mirrors another highly anticipated zombie sequel.

Will Smith as Robert Neville with his head down as a vampire screams at him.

As the third installment in the 28 Days Later franchise, 28 Years Later marks a significant revival long after the release of its predecessor. Set to continue the narrative introduced in 2007's 28 Weeks Later, the substantial leap in time offers a fresh perspective on the global response to the rapid proliferation of the rage virus. Similar to its predecessor, 28 Years Later is expected to introduce an entirely new ensemble of characters. Nevertheless, the third film in the trilogy faces the challenge of resolving the fate of a beloved franchise character.

Custom image of Cillian Murphy running away from a flaming zombie and Murphy looking relieved in 28 Days Later.

A Bold Narrative Twist

Taking cues from the bold storytelling of another iconic zombie thriller, 28 Years Later should embrace a daring narrative shift that mirrors the approach of an upcoming sequel. I Am Legend, a revered zombie film, is poised to take a risky creative leap by retconning the original ending. This audacious move has sparked debate among fans, as the sequel seeks to establish the alternate ending as canon, defying the original conclusion.

Cillian Murphy looking serious as Jim in 28 Days Later

In a compelling reversal, 28 Years Later should draw inspiration from I Am Legend 2's controversial retcon, but with a twist. The original ending of 28 Days Later, featuring the survival of Cillian Murphy's character, Jim, and his companions, is well-known. However, lesser-known alternate endings depict Jim's demise, with one in particular gaining fervent acclaim from fans. It is this alternate ending that 28 Years Later should canonize, bidding farewell to Cillian Murphy's character and reshaping the franchise's trajectory.

Cillian Murphy as Jim in 28 Days Later.

The Art of Narrative Redemption

While the existing ending of 28 Days Later holds widespread recognition, the alternative conclusion offers a more poignant and thematically resonant resolution. The original ending sees Jim and his comrades surviving while Frank perishes, hinting at their escape from the UK and survival beyond the reach of the rage virus. In contrast, the alternate ending portrays Jim's selfless act of undergoing a blood transfusion to save Frank, ultimately sacrificing himself. This conclusion, though tragic, aligns seamlessly with the thematic essence of 28 Days Later.

28 Days Later cillian murphy

The alternate ending not only provides a more fitting closure to Jim's narrative but also enhances the coherence of his character arc. Jim's transformation from a bewildered survivor to a protective guardian of the group culminates in his ultimate sacrifice for Frank, making it the most thematically apt conclusion. Thus, 28 Years Later stands to benefit from embracing this alternate ending as the definitive resolution, infusing the franchise with a sense of narrative redemption.

Which characters could come back for 28 Years Later