Danny Boyle and Alex Garland are set to reunite for the highly anticipated film “28 Years Later,” which is scheduled to be released by Sony Pictures in 2025. This project follows their success with “28 Days Later,” released in 2002, and its sequel, “28 Weeks Later,” which premiered in 2007. Rumors of a third installment have been around since 2015, and this year they gained traction as Boyle and Garland reportedly began pitching an entire trilogy to potential buyers.
The trailer for “28 Years Later” sets an eerie tone with a haunting rendition of Rudyard Kipling’s war poem, “Boots.” While it teases unsettling imagery of a world still grappling with a rampant zombie crisis, such as frightened children and characters donning disturbing masks, the plot remains shrouded in mystery. An official synopsis provides some clarity: nearly three decades after the outbreak of the “rage virus,” a group of survivors exists on a small island, only to find their lives disrupted when one member embarks on a mission to the mainland, where they encounter both horrors and unexpected developments.
The franchise’s initial film introduced us to Cillian Murphy, who portrays a character awakening into a zombie-infested world. “28 Weeks Later” followed a different set of survivors and was a standalone narrative. The new film will feature a captivating cast, including Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes, along with child-star Alfie Williams and Jack O’Connell.
While Cillian Murphy has not been confirmed as part of the official cast for “28 Years Later,” Sony’s Tom Rothman hinted in a recent interview that he would return in a unique capacity. This raises speculation that his character may have a surprising journey or transformation in the new storyline.
Interestingly, the excitement isn’t just for one movie; both the first part and its sequel have reportedly been filmed back-to-back. The second film may be titled “28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple.” Boyle will direct the initial installment, and the talented Nia DaCosta, known for directing “Candyman,” will helm the sequel.
Mark your calendars for June 20, 2025! This date will mark approximately 22 years since the original “28 Days Later” was released, bringing fans back to a world that is as terrifying as it is thrilling.
In summary, this new installment and the planned trilogy promise to rekindle the gripping tension and horror that fans have come to love, while adding fresh layers to the narrative. As we await its release, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation for what innovations Boyle and Garland will bring to this beloved franchise. The reunion of these creatives might lead to an even richer cinematic experience that deepens the lore of this post-apocalyptic universe.