Home Horror Horror News ’28 Years Later’: Everything to Know About the ’28 Days Later’ Sequel

28 Years Later Title Screen — Sony Pictures Releasing

’28 Years Later’: Everything to Know About the ’28 Days Later’ Sequel

December 10, 2024

The much-anticipated 28 Days sequel is finally here. The first film in the franchise, 28 Days Later, was released in 2002, and the sequel, 28 Weeks Later, came out in 2007. The series will continue with the upcoming film 28 Years Later.

The sequel was first mentioned in 2007 around the release of 28 Weeks Later. In an interview with MTV, director Danny Boyle stated, “There is an idea for the next one, something which would move [the story] on.” However, for various reasons, including issues with film rights, the movie spent the ensuing years in development hell. There also seems to have been some back-and-forth over how long after the film would take place. In 2015, writer Alex Garland told IGN, “It’s more likely to be 28 Months than 28 Years.”

Despite all the challenges and changes, the film is finally heading to theaters next year. Here’s everything we know so far about 28 Years Later.

The Plot

28 Years Later Children Watching Teletubbies — Sony Pictures Releasing

At the end of 28 Weeks Later, we learn that the virus has spread beyond the quarantined areas of England. The sequel will follow a new group of survivors as they confront the terrors of a world decimated by the infection.

The official logline reads:

“It’s been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected.

One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one of the group leaves the island on a mission 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.”

The Cast & Crew

28 Years Later An Infected in a Field — Sony Pictures Releasing

Much to the delight of fans, director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland have returned. They are joined by 28 Days Later cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle.

Cillian Murphy was asked about returning to the franchise during an interview with Collider in 2023. He replied, “I’d love to do it. If Alex [Garland] thinks there’s a script in it and Danny wants to do it, I’d love to do it.” Murphy will reprise his role as Jim now that they’ve both signed on. He will also serve as executive producer.

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For now, it is still unclear how Jim will return. The new trailer has fueled speculation that he is infected or at least very near starvation. We can quickly glimpse an emaciated person resembling Jim rising in a field.

Also joining the cast are Jodie Comer (Killing Eve, Free Guy), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Bullet Train, Nosferatu), Ralph Fiennes (Harry Potter franchise, The Menu), Jack O’Connell (Ferrari, Back to Black), Erin Kellyman (Willow, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier), Edvin Ryding (The Abyss, Big Mouth), and Alfie Williams.