Kaylah Walton
After more than 20 years since ’28 Days Later’ transformed the horror genre, a new entry in the series is being developed. Titled ’28 Years Later’, this film is slated for a theater release on June 20, 2025.
Helmed by Danny Boyle and penned by Alex Garland, this installment continues the story from the 2002 film while also initiating a fresh trilogy. However, fans are eager to discover whether Cillian Murphy will reprise his role.
The plot centers around a young boy named Spike, who ventures from the safety of a remote island off Britain’s coast. He, along with his mother, embarks on a treacherous mission to the mainland, which is now teeming with evolved beings infected by the Rage Virus.
Ralph Fiennes, portraying a doctor assisting them, described their journey as traversing a “stunning landscape in northern England,” but warned, “Around them lurk the infected, concealed in the woods and hills.”
Anticipated developments in the franchise
By setting the tale nearly 30 years after the initial outbreak, Boyle and Garland have provided a chance to investigate the prolonged societal repercussions of the Rage Virus.
In contrast to the sequel ’28 Weeks Later’, which highlighted governmental reactions and quarantine zones, this new chapter revisits the close, survival-focused perspective that characterized the original film.
The filmmakers chose a more realistic visual approach, utilizing the iPhone 15 Pro Max for extensive filming to ensure authenticity and immediacy. This method reflects Boyle’s initial choice to film ’28 Days Later’ with handheld cameras, which contributed to its gritty, almost documentary feel.
Boyle stated that the trilogy’s overarching narrative will be thematically influenced by the original film and deliberately steer clear of the immunity plotline found in ’28 Weeks Later’.
“We intend to base this trilogy on the inspiration drawn from the first film,” he commented, indicating a focus on character-driven horror.
The cast: A blend of familiar and fresh faces
Leading the ensemble cast is Jodie Comer, renowned for roles in Killing Eve and The Last Duel. She plays Isla, the mother of Spike (played by Alfie Williams).
Aaron Taylor-Johnson joins as Jamie, with Ralph Fiennes portraying a doctor navigating a post-apocalyptic world. Other cast members include Jack O’Connell, Erin Kellyman, Edvin Ryding, Chi Lewis-Parry, and Emma Laird.
While fans were eager to see Cillian Murphy return as Jim from 28 Days Later, the actor is not participating in this first film. Nevertheless, he is serving as an executive producer and is anticipated to make an appearance in a subsequent sequel.
Boyle hinted at this, saying, “He isn’t in the first installment, but I am optimistic there will be some Jim somewhere… a very gratifying introduction.”
The next film in the trilogy, titled ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’, has already wrapped filming and is set for release on January 16, 2026. Directed by Nia DaCosta (Candyman, The Marvels), this sequel is expected to delve deeper into the consequences of the virus and humanity’s evolution.
Anticipation among fans is at a peak. The trailer for ’28 Years Later’ has quickly become one of the most-viewed horror trailers in recent times. To leverage this buzz, Sony has digitally re-released ’28 Days Later’, reintroducing a new audience to the original terror.
With a talented cast, innovative direction, and the return of pivotal contributors, 28 Years Later is ready to invigorate the franchise—possibly reshaping horror once again.
