Remember when Danny Boyle completely changed the zombie game with 28 Days Later in the early 2000s? Well, over 20 years later, he’s back! This time, he’s taking us back to that dystopian version of England with a brand-new movie, 28 Years Later dropping in 2025.
For the last 25 years, zombie horror has dominated movies and TV, with hits like Shaun of the Dead, Zombieland, and The Walking Dead. But if one film really changed the game, it was Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later. It was such a big deal that Stephen King bought 800 tickets for opening night! No surprise it’s still considered one of the best horror films ever made.
Since its release, fans have been begging for a big-budget sequel to 28 Days Later, even after the well-received 2007 follow-up. Since the the announcement of a brand-new sequel, in January 2024, details like the cast, filming schedules, and the worldwide release by Sony were revealed. Here’s everything we know so far about 28 Years Later movie.
Advertisement All the Inside Scoop on 28 Years Later Releasing in 2025!
28 Years Later is set to hit theaters on June 20, 2025, landing a prime summer blockbuster spot. It will release alongside major titles like Pixar’s Elio, a live-action How to Train Your Dragon, and the M3GAN sequel. Like the original, it will have a worldwide theatrical release. While there’s no confirmation on streaming yet, Sony’s involvement suggests it could debut on Netflix after it’s run in theaters.
Danny Boyle is back as director for 28 Years Later, with the original screenwriter, Alex Garland, also returning. This is their third big project together, though Boyle also adapted Garland’s book The Beach. Garland, an Oscar nominee for Ex Machina, is known for other works like Annihilation, Men, and Civil War. Here’s the official synopsis of the movie:
Nearly 30 years have passed since the rage virus broke out from a lab. While quarantine remains strict, some survivors have learned to live among the infected. One group lives on a small island linked to the mainland by a heavily guarded causeway. When one member ventures onto the mainland, he uncovers shocking secrets, strange wonders, and terrifying changes in both the infected and the survivors.
The official trailer for 28 Years Later movie was released on Tuesday, December 10, and can be watched below. It creates a chilling and intense atmosphere, teasing the chaos ahead. The trailer shows evolved undead and long-time survivors facing danger with only hope to guide them. Fans also get a glimpse of the film’s unique style, as star Ralph Fiennes revealed that the entire movie was filmed on an iPhone.
Which Poem Appears in the 28 Years Later Trailer?
The 28 Years Later trailer features a reading of Rudyard Kipling‘s poem Boots playing in the background. Released in 1903, the poem reflects a soldier’s repetitive thoughts while marching in war. The version used in the trailer is a recitation by Taylor Holmes, recorded in 1915, which was later used for psychological training in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
28 Years Later: A Star-Studded Lineup!
The cast of 28 Years Later movie is coming together, though much remains a mystery. Cillian Murphy, who starred in 28 Days Later, will return as Jim and also produce the film. Other confirmed cast members include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, and Jack O’Connell. While most roles are still under wraps, O’Connell’s character is set to appear throughout the planned trilogy. Check out the cast below!
| Actor | 28 Years Later Role | Images |
|---|---|---|
| Cillian Murphy | Jim |  |
| Aaron Taylor-Johnson | Unknown |  |
| Jodie Comer | Unknown |  |
| Ralph Fiennes | Unknown |  |
| Jack O’Connell | Unknown |  |
| Erin Kellyman | Unknown |  |
| Edvin Ryding | Unknown |  |
Who’s Making the Zombie Sequel 28 Years Later in 2025?
28 Years Later is the first in a planned trilogy set in the zombie universe created by Boyle and Garland. Reports reveal that the sequel, 28 Years Later II: The Bone Temple, directed by Nia DaCosta, was filmed back-to-back with this movie. Interestingly, the film was shot on an iPhone 15 Pro Max, similar to how parts of 28 Days Later used a Canon XL-1 camcorder. Filming locations include Bradford in West Yorkshire, England. The movie is backed by Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Releasing, Decibel Films, DNA Films, and the British Film Institute.
Why is the 28 Days Later Franchise so Famous?
28 Days Later is famous because, even though director Danny Boyle doesn’t see it as a zombie film, it played a major role in reviving the zombie horror genre. The movie introduced fast-running infected, which was a fresh twist on the classic zombie idea, and focused more on character-driven drama rather than just the usual scares. This combination of tension, emotion, and action helped bring new life to the genre and influenced many other films and TV shows in the years that followed. Its impact can still be seen in zombie-themed media today.
What’s the Excitement Surrounding 28 Years Later (2025)?
The upcoming release of 28 Years Later has fans buzzing with excitement, eager to see how the story continues after the iconic zombie thriller series. Check out some tweets below!
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Wrap Up!
28 Years Later is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the zombie genre. With familiar faces returning and a fresh new direction, the film is set to bring intense action, mystery, and emotional depth. Fans are eagerly awaiting its release, and with a sequel already in the works, it looks like this trilogy will leave a lasting impact on the horror film world.