Before watching 28 Years Later, many are eager to know the essential details about the franchise. Set to release on June 20, 2025, it follows the original 2002 movie, 28 Days Later, which starred Cillian Murphy, and the 2007 sequel, 28 Weeks Later, starring Jeremy Renner. However, director Daniel Boyle has taken an entirely different direction in the latest movie.
So, here’s all the important information you need to know before watching Boyle’s latest film.
What you need to know before watching 28 Years Later
The franchise originated with 28 Days Later (2002), which depicts a rage virus infecting people across the UK. It follows Jim, a bicycle courier who was previously in a coma. When he wakes up, he realizes that the virus has significantly impacted those around him. He soon joins a group of survivors in search of a solution to the problem. Amid their attempts to survive, they also encounter numerous deadly challenges and traps. Although many characters meet tragic ends throughout the film, the final moments with Jim, Selena, and Hannah offer viewers a glimmer of hope and uncertainty as they signal a passing jet.
The follow-up entry in the franchise was 28 Weeks Later. The sequel lacked the authentic energy that its predecessor was beloved for. However, it cannot be denied that the movie attempted to broaden the perspective of the post-apocalyptic world. Despite having a huge budget and new cast members, the movie disappointed at the box office, earning less than its predecessor. Its ending suggested that the virus has gone global.
Director Boyle and writer Alex Garland have returned with 28 Years Later. They have made it clear that they have ignored the 28 Weeks Later story elements and are focusing purely on following up on the original movie, which features a UK-based setting and British characters. Additionally, they have attempted to give the film an entirely new direction in terms of sound and landscape.
In an interview with Bloody Disgusting, Boyle said, “We tried to create a different landscape, really, because I think the idea of the film was that we were doing, although it would have a debt to the first film, obviously. As much as possible, it would be an original film. We used a different sound team, [led by sound designer] Johnny Byrne, who had worked on The Zone of Interest. His sound team approached it wonderfully.”
28 Years Later will be followed by The Bone Temple, slated to release next year.
