With just 28 days left until its highly anticipated release, Sony Pictures has kicked off ticket sales for the horror sequel, 28 Years Later, directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland. Fans of the franchise can look forward to additional teasers and newly released posters accompanying the announcement, alongside a leaked 5-minute preview that’s circulating online, which has been playing in theaters ahead of the re-release of the original film, 28 Days Later.
The sneak peek offers an intense opening scene featuring Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s character, Jamie, and his son, Spike, who stumble upon a terrifying scene in an abandoned house. They discover an infected man bound and hanging, provoking a chilling moment as Jamie urges Spike to “kill it,” emphasizing the importance of not feeling guilt about the infection that robs victims of their minds and souls. This moment adds to the tension as Spike hesitates, allowing the infected to make a desperate attempt to escape.
The film is set nearly three decades after the rage virus broke free from a bioweapons laboratory, with survivors adapting to life amid the ongoing threat. The official synopsis reveals a group living on a heavily guarded island, providing a contrast between safety and the horrors of the mainland, where one character’s exploration leads to shocking revelations about both the infected and other survivor groups.
Ralph Fiennes plays Doctor Kelson and has provided insights into the narrative, centering on a young boy in search of a doctor for his ailing mother. The storyline develops around their quest through the stunning, yet perilous, northern English countryside while evading the ever-present infected.
Joining the cast is Jodie Comer, with Cillian Murphy returning as Jim from the original film, although his appearance will not be until the second installment. Producer Andrew Macdonald noted Murphy’s involvement in the project as an executive producer, hinting at his potential role in the trilogy.
Building excitement, Boyle and Garland’s collaboration with a reported budget of approximately $75 million for each of the trilogy’s films signals a high-stakes return to the chilling universe of 28 Days Later, which originally captivated audiences with its unique take on the horror genre and social commentary.
This new installment is poised to reaffirm its potential as a worthy sequel that could resonate well with fans, offering both nostalgia and fresh horror experiences in the evolving landscape of the franchise.
As excitement builds for its premiere on June 19, viewers can expect a mix of terror and reflective storytelling that underpins the narrative, reminding audiences of the fragility of humanity in the face of overwhelming devastation.