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Excitement Grows for 28 Years Later
The upcoming release of 28 Years Later in 2025 is generating considerable buzz, particularly following the release of an impressive first trailer. Renowned director Danny Boyle reunites with his long-time collaborator, Alex Garland, marking an 18-year hiatus since the previous installment, 28 Weeks Later, which debuted in 2007. The film’s cast features standout talents such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes, though the details surrounding the plot remain largely under wraps. One thing is for certain: this latest addition to the franchise diverges significantly from Garland’s original vision.
In a recent interview with GQ while promoting his film Warfare, Alex Garland discussed his journey in the film industry and shared insights into the development of 28 Years Later. He revealed the genesis of the film idea and the unconventional direction he initially considered before settling on the version audiences will soon see. “There were ongoing discussions between Danny, Andrew [Macdonald], Peter Rice, and myself about a continuation of the franchise,” Garland explained. Prior to finalizing plans for this sequel, he had conceptualized a rather unexpected plot twist, recalling:
“At some point, someone else had a go at developing a script, and I had this really unusual idea involving Chinese special forces arriving in the UK, which would have led to a subtitled film.”
While the plot details of 28 Years Later remain scant, the potential for an expansive narrative is evident. The original 28 Days Later suggested a contained outbreak primarily within the UK, but the conclusion of 28 Weeks Later hinted at the virus’s spread to France and beyond. Introducing elements such as Chinese special forces could have significantly widened the franchise’s scope, opening avenues for exploration beyond British shores.
Release Date Set for 28 Years Later
The anticipation surrounding the release of 28 Years Later builds as details continue to emerge. The film’s trailer has already been lauded as one of the most impactful of recent years. Set to the haunting backdrop of Rudyard Kipling’s poem “Boots,” the promotional visuals portray a UK grappling with the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse over the past 28 years. Alongside the grim realities faced by survivors, the trailer cleverly misled audiences into believing Cillian Murphy’s character, Jim, had fallen victim to the infection—luckily, it turned out to be an extra resembling Murphy.
This installment not only concludes Danny Boyle’s original 28 trilogy, which began with 28 Days Later in 2002, but it also sets the stage for a new trilogy. The second and third films are directed by Nia DaCosta, known for her work on The Marvels. The first of these follow-ups, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, was filmed back-to-back with the main feature and is scheduled for release on January 6, 2026, though specific plot details remain undisclosed.
Source: GQ
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