Brace yourselves, zombie fans! Danny Boyle and Alex Garland are back to breathe new undead life into the 28 Days Later franchise with 28 Years Later. Slated for a June 20, 2025 release, this long-awaited installment promises a thrilling return to the terrifying world of rage-infected zombies, eerie landscapes, and high-octane survival drama. But wait—this isn’t just a single film. Oh no, it’s the start of an entire trilogy. Let’s break down what we know so far about the movie that’s already got us counting the days (pun intended).
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Danny Boyle |
| Writer | Alex Garland |
| Release Date | June 20, 2025 |
| Main Cast | Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes |
| Synopsis | Survivors on an island fight horrors on the mainland |
| Notable Filming Style | Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max |
| Franchise Timeline | Third installment after 28 Days Later (2002) and 28 Weeks Later (2007) |
| Sequel | 28 Years Later II: The Bone Temple (TBA) |
What’s in the Trailer?
Set to a haunting rendition of Rudyard Kipling’s war poem Boots, the trailer immediately sets a chilling tone. It teases a world still grappling with the consequences of the rage virus, nearly 30 years after the outbreak. Key highlights include:
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson wielding a bow and arrow like he’s auditioning for The Hunger Games.
- Terrified children huddled in a grimy shelter.
- A giant pile of skulls that’s begging to be a metaphor for something.
- A sickly figure that suspiciously resembles Cillian Murphy. Could Jim be back, but not quite as we remember him? 👀
While the trailer doesn’t give away much, the footage hints at horrifying secrets and mutated threats waiting on the mainland.
What’s the Plot?
The official synopsis paints an ominous picture of humanity’s desperate survival efforts:
“Despite a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some people have found ways to exist amidst the infected, nearly three decades after the rage virus escaped. One group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a heavily-defended causeway. When one of them ventures into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.”
Translation: The zombies are angrier, the humans are weirder, and things are about to get messy.
Who’s in the Cast?
This fresh chapter brings an exciting new ensemble to the franchise:
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Bullet Train) is the likely action hero.
- Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) adding her undeniable charisma.
- Ralph Fiennes (The Menu) is probably being sinister in a way only he can.
- Jack O’Connell and child actor Alfie Williams join the chaos.
- And let’s not forget the “maybe, maybe-not” return of Cillian Murphy (28 Days Later), who may be appearing in a zombified cameo.
Why the Buzz?
It’s been 18 long years since 28 Weeks Later hit theaters, and fans have been clamoring for another sequel ever since. Rumors swirled as early as 2015, but it wasn’t until 2024 that Boyle and Garland pitched not just one movie—but an entire trilogy. This bold move has instantly reignited interest in the franchise.
Here’s what really has people talking:
- The Franchise Glow-Up: The sequel will explore new horrors of mutated infected and twisted human survivors, potentially raising the stakes higher than ever before.
- A Trilogy in the Works: 28 Years Later isn’t just a one-off; its sequel (The Bone Temple) is already filmed, with Nia DaCosta (Candyman) at the helm.
Behind the Scenes: A Cinematic Experiment
In a daring move, cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle shot the film entirely on an iPhone 15 Pro Max. That’s right—your smartphone could make a zombie epic (if, you know, Danny Boyle is holding it). This decision adds an intimate, gritty texture to the film, ensuring the visuals feel as visceral as the story.
Will Cillian Murphy Really Be Back?
While his name isn’t on the cast list, Sony’s Tom Rothman dropped a cryptic hint in an interview, suggesting Murphy will appear in a “surprising way.” Speculation is rife that Jim might return as an infected version of himself—an emotional callback that fans are dying (pun intended) to see.
What’s Next for the Franchise?
28 Years Later is just the first step. Its sequel, The Bone Temple, is already in post-production, with Ralph Fiennes hinting that the third installment will be the most ambitious yet. Could we see a Mad Max-style zombie apocalypse or a world where the infected outnumber the survivors? The possibilities are endless.
Why You Should Mark Your Calendar
The 28 Days Later series redefined the zombie genre with its fast-moving infected and eerie depiction of societal collapse. With Boyle and Garland back at the helm, 28 Years Later promises to push those boundaries even further, delivering a thrilling ride that’s equal parts heart-pounding and thought-provoking.
So, grab your calendars, circle June 20, 2025, and start preparing for the apocalypse (again). After all, in the world of 28 Years Later, survival is more than just running—it’s about hope, grit, and maybe a bow and arrow.
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What are your thoughts on the new 28 Years Later trailer? Are you excited to see where this trilogy goes? Let us know in the comments below!