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The zombie apocalypse genre has a rich history, with its roots often traced back to the seminal work of George A. Romero in Night of the Living Dead. Yet, many enthusiasts argue that Danny Boyle’s 2002 film 28 Days Later stands as a quintessential representation of the subgenre. This British horror film depicts the bleak aftermath of a pandemic unleashed after a group of activists inadvertently release monkeys infected with a rage virus. The story follows Jim, played by Cillian Murphy, who awakens from a 28-day coma to find a devastated London.
Over two decades, 28 Days Later has endured as a hallmark of the zombie genre due to its profound themes of loss, despair, and the human experience amidst chaos. The journey of Jim and other survivors unveils a harrowing reality as they witness the collapse of society and grapple with the shadow of hopelessness. Despite its focus on rage-infected beings, the film profoundly highlights the emotional and psychological struggles of its characters, set against the backdrop of some of the most terrifying fast-moving zombies captured on film.
Release Date: October 31, 2002
Runtime: 113 minutes
Cast: Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Brendan Gleeson, Christopher Eccleston, and others
The film concludes with a glimmer of hope for its protagonists, as they’re spotted by a passing plane. However, Boyle considered multiple alternative endings that would significantly alter the narrative and character outcomes. With the sequel 28 Years Later scheduled to release in summer 2025, these alternate conclusions could potentially shape the direction of the upcoming installment, especially given Murphy’s return.
’28 Days Later’ Had 4 Potential Endings
The theatrical conclusion is compelling, featuring a dramatic first half where Jim is shot, creating a momentary cliffhanger. Spectators then witness scenes of Selena trying to revive him, leading into a hopeful moment where they attempt to signal a passing aircraft. This closing scene reflects the film’s eerie beginning, where Jim awakens in an unfamiliar environment devoid of life.
Before arriving at this ending, Boyle explored several darker alternatives. One concept involved deepening the tragic elements, with Selena and Hannah facing dire consequences at the hands of Major West’s group, who fabricated a message of safety to capture survivors. Original test screenings indicated audiences found this bleak path unpalatable, prompting a shift to the theatrical ending.
2 Alternate Endings Confirm Jim Didn’t Survive
Two other endings underscore Jim’s demise. In one filmed variant, Selena and Hannah struggle to save Jim’s life following his injury, only to ultimately fail. Another option, referred to as the ‘freeze-frame’ ending, abruptly halts the story just as critical action occurs, leaving audiences without resolution. This ending came close to being the film’s conclusion due to budget constraints, but additional funding granted Boyle the opportunity to refine the film.
Danny Boyle Almost Went With a Very Different Ending
An alternative ending originally storyboarded diverged significantly from the released version. In this scenario, Jim would have sought to save Frank—Hannah’s father—by donating his blood, ultimately sacrificing himself. While Frank could have lived, this resolution would still carry the weight of tragedy, as Jim would lose his life in the process. Boyle later dismissed this idea, citing the implausibility of such a straightforward solution in light of the virus’s nature, a decision he discussed in the DVD commentary.
How the Endings Can Impact ’28 Years Later’
The narrative details for 28 Years Later remain under wraps, even with the release of its initial trailer. The preview suggests a continuation of the themes from the original film, with survivors confronting an ongoing threat in a world ravaged by the rage virus. Speculations abound regarding Jim’s role, particularly as Murphy returns alongside new characters played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes.
There is speculation about whether Jim will be featured in flashbacks, potentially altering the conclusions of the first film. Yet, it appears more likely that the sequel will align with the credibility established in the original film’s conclusion, where Jim survives the ordeal. The fates of Selena and Hannah remain uncertain, as neither of the original actresses is slated to return, leaving the implications of their stories ambiguous. It seems the theatrical ending of 28 Days Later will serve as the foundation for the upcoming sequel, setting the stage for new developments in the continuing narrative.
28 Years Later is set to hit theaters on June 20th, 2025.
Source
movieweb.com