Danny Boyle and Alex Garland are set to revisit their iconic horror franchise with the upcoming release of “28 Years Later,” scheduled to hit theaters on June 20, 2025. This announcement marks a significant moment, following the 2007 sequel “28 Weeks Later,” which continued the haunting narrative of the original film, “28 Days Later,” released in 2002.
Since 2015, rumors have circulated about a potential third installment, but recent developments indicate that Boyle and Garland are actually pitching a trilogy of films, further expanding the universe they created over two decades ago. According to The Hollywood Reporter, plans for this ambitious project began taking shape in January 2024.
The trailer, which is just two minutes long, offers a glimpse into a world still grappling with the catastrophic effects of the zombie apocalypse. Dark imagery includes terrified children, a menacing figure resembling Cillian Murphy, a massive pile of skulls, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson wielding a bow and arrow. The unsettling atmosphere is fittingly underscored by a recitation of Rudyard Kipling’s war poem “Boots.” While the trailer’s plot remains somewhat cryptic, an official synopsis reveals that it takes place nearly 30 years after the outbreak of the “rage virus,” narrated through the eyes of survivors living on a fortified island.
Notable cast members include Jodie Comer from “Killing Eve,” Aaron Taylor-Johnson from “Bullet Train,” and Ralph Fiennes from “The Menu,” with child actor Alfie Williams and Jack O’Connell also joining the ensemble. Although Cillian Murphy has not been officially confirmed in the cast list, Sony’s Tom Rothman hinted at a surprising return for him in a unique capacity, suggesting a twist that fans will not see coming.
The franchise continues to evolve with the return of Boyle as director for the first film and Nia DaCosta, known for “Candyman,” involved in the second installment, reportedly titled “28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple.” Ralph Fiennes disclosed that the first two parts were filmed back-to-back, showcasing the commitment to this extensive storyline.
Set nearly two and a half decades after the original, the release of “28 Years Later” serves not only as a nostalgic return for fans but as a promising expansion of a beloved narrative within the horror genre. Anticipation is high as audiences await what new chapters and thrilling twists this trilogy will bring.
The exhilaration of returning to such a cherished world, alongside the promise of fresh stories and character developments, paints a hopeful picture for both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise. As we count down to 2025, the excitement for “28 Years Later” grows, encapsulating the enduring charm of post-apocalyptic storytelling.