Danny Boyle directs the third film in the post-apocalyptic franchise, 28 Years Later.
The groundbreaking film 28 Days Later, released in 2002, is widely recognized for reigniting the zombie film genre in the 21st century. Director Danny Boyle is set to return once more to this universe with the forthcoming film 28 Years Later. This new installment is not merely a sequel but the commencement of an ambitious trilogy.
(This article contains plot details from 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later.)
In the original film, a lab accident in Cambridge leads to the release of a highly infectious “Rage Virus.” Those who contract the virus quickly devolve into violent creatures, making them a constant threat to any uninfected individuals. This transformation results in the emergence of “fast zombies.” The story follows a bicycle courier named Jim (Cillian Murphy), who awakens from a coma 28 days after the outbreak to find London largely desolate, with only a few survivors remaining. He teams up with these survivors, striving to escape the chaos as the undead grow more insatiable.
The narrative continues in 28 Weeks Later, focusing on a fresh set of characters residing at the fringes of London. Supported by NATO forces, the country attempts to rebuild and resettle displaced citizens into designated safe zones. However, the resurgence of the virus due to a single infected individual leads to widespread devastation once again, pushing the remaining survivors to make a desperate escape to France, only to find the infection has spread there as well.
Plans for a third film emerged as early as 2007, aiming to pick up the narrative 28 months after the initial catastrophe, but progress stalled for years. Finally, in January 2024, the project received approval, now titled 28 Years Later, to reflect the elapsed time since the original outbreak. Alex Garland returns as the screenwriter, adding to his contributions to the previous installments.
How much time do we have left?
In the narrative of 28 Years Later, it has been nearly three decades since the outbreak of the rage virus, with many survivors establishing lives within a heavily quarantined environment. One such group resides on an isolated island connected to the mainland by a fortified causeway. A member of this group embarks on a mission into the mainland, where he uncovers disturbing truths that affect both the infected and other survivors.
Jodie Comer stars as Isla, who lives with her husband Jamie (portrayed by Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and their 12-year-old son Spike (Alfie Williams) on this secluded island. While Isla is pregnant, Jamie makes a living through scavenging. The film’s ensemble cast also includes Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Kelson, a survivor from the initial outbreak, Jack O’Connell as the cult leader Sir Jimmy Crystal, Edvin Ryding as NATO soldier Erik Sundqvist, Erin Kellyman as Jimmy Ink, and Emma Laird in an undisclosed role.
The first trailer for the film was unveiled by Sony in December, featuring a haunting rendition of Rudyard Kipling’s poem “Boots.” The trailer quickly gained traction online, particularly due to a fleeting shot of a zombie resembling Murphy’s character Jim, leading many to speculate about Jim’s fate over the years. Boyle addressed this speculation earlier, clarifying that the zombie in question is portrayed by extra Angus Neill. While Murphy serves as an executive producer for 28 Years Later, he does not appear on screen. However, he was spotted on set during the filming of the next installment, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which was shot in tandem with the current film.
The updated trailer revisits elements from the “Boots” recitation and retains much of the original footage, yet provides greater narrative context. It begins with soldiers investigating an empty building, only to be ambushed by zombies. Following this, viewers see an aerial view of a seemingly peaceful island, juxtaposed with images of the heavily fortified causeway linking it to the mainland. In a tense moment, Dr. Kelson remarks, “There are so many dead,” to which Jamie replies, “That’s why our home is so precious.”
As Jamie prepares to embark on a perilous mission with his son Spike, he is warned that the boy is too young for the risks involved, especially since rescue would be impossible once they cross into the abandoned mainland. Despite the warnings, they venture out and quickly face an onslaught of zombies in the wilderness. The trailer continues with scenes of soldiers in chaotic encounters with the undead, hints of human skulls stacked ominously, and a priest proclaiming a “glorious day of judgment” as zombies invade a church. A glimpse of Isla fleeing with her newborn child casts uncertainty on the future safety of islanders.
28 Years Later is scheduled for release in theaters on June 20, 2025. Following this, Nia DaCosta will direct 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, set for a January 16, 2026 premiere. Boyle is also set to helm the third film, which is currently in development.
