After more than 6,000 days of anticipation, the highly awaited sequel to the beloved horror films “28 Days Later” and “28 Weeks Later” is finally set to debut. Sony Pictures recently unveiled the first trailer for “28 Years Later,” reigniting excitement among fans of the franchise.
The trailer opens with a striking scene of children watching “Teletubbies,” interrupted by a frantic mother delivering another child and urging everyone to keep quiet. As chaos ensues, disturbing scenes of zombie-like carnage unfold, including blood splattering on the TV screen while the children’s show continues in the background. The footage transitions to a cloistered island community where apocalypse survivors reside, hinting at dark secrets and a society with designated roles, including a watch tower guard. One particularly chilling moment reveals a pile of skulls encircled by bones, prompting the tagline, “What will humanity become?”
A brief glimpse of a gaunt zombie character resembles Cillian Murphy, the star of the original film. Although his return as Jim is uncertain, Sony’s Tom Rothman has hinted that Murphy will appear “in a surprising way and in a way that grows.” Notably, Murphy did not participate in 2007’s “28 Weeks Later,” which introduced new characters.
The film boasts a formidable cast including Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, and Ralph Fiennes, though Murphy’s name is absent from the official cast list despite his role as an executive producer.
While the franchise has often been associated with zombies, the infected in the films are actually under the influence of a “rage virus.” This unique twist helped define the original “28 Days Later,” featuring fast-moving infected individuals, a departure from the traditional slow-paced zombies seen in earlier films like “Night of the Living Dead.”
Set nearly three decades after the initial outbreak of the rage virus, “28 Years Later” explores a new narrative where survivors navigate life in a heavily enforced quarantine. According to the synopsis, some find ways to coexist in isolation, while one individual embarks on a perilous mission into the infected mainland, uncovering hidden truths and harrowing dangers.
The film is slated for a theatrical release on June 20. Fans can expect the creative team behind the original film to return, with Danny Boyle at the helm and Alex Garland providing the screenplay. Excitingly, “28 Years Later” is intended to launch a new trilogy, with a follow-up titled “28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple” already in development under the direction of Nia DaCosta, known for her work on “Candyman.”
This revival of the franchise brings a fresh opportunity for audiences to experience a gripping horror narrative that blends tension, psychological depth, and social commentary, fostering optimism for the genre’s future.
In summary, the return of the iconic series shows that the fascination with the complexities of human survival in the face of a terrifying outbreak continues to resonate, promising thrilling developments for both old and new fans.