The 28 Days Later films consists of post-apocalyptichorror films, based on a concept conceived by Alex Garland. The series includes three released films, with two sequels in various stages of development. The franchise depicts the outbreak of the Rage Virus, a contagious disease that induces homicidal rage in those infected. Following the virus's accidental release from a laboratory in the United Kingdom, the resulting epidemic causes widespread societal collapse. The films focus on the impact of the outbreak, and the efforts of survivors to endure both the infected and the consequences of a rapidly disintegrating society.
The first film, 28 Days Later, was well received by critics,[1] and was a box office success.[2] It has been called a horror classic and has a cult following.[3][4] It has also been credited with redefining,[5][6] as well as influencing,[7][8] and expanding the popularity of the zombie horror genre.[9] The 2007 sequel, 28 Weeks Later, was a financial[10] success and received positive reviews.
When animal activists infiltrate a top-secret laboratory of scientists to release the animals, the activists unknowingly release chimpanzees infected with a pathogen, resulting in a rapid outbreak.The scientists were studying a highly contagious and powerful disease named the Rage Virus. Twenty-eight days afterward, a bicycle courier named Jim awakens in a hospital after a near-death accident placed him into a coma and under medical care, and discovers that Great Britain is completely desolated, with savage infected and crazed survivors.[16][17][18]
During the first outbreak, survivors, including Donald Harris and his wife Alice, sheltered in an isolated London cottage. An orphaned boy begs for help, is allowed in, and a horde of infected follows, overtaking the home. Don retreats while the group is overwhelmed. Twenty-eight weeks later, the infected die off, and NATO controls Britain, establishing safe zones for refugees, including Tammy and Andy Harris, Don and Alice's children. When the children return home, they find their mother alive but infected with the Rage Virus. Chaos erupts as a second outbreak begins, and Major Scarlet Levy of the US Army must protect the children, believing they hold a potential cure for mankind.[19][20][21]
Twenty-eight years after the Rage Virus devastated Great Britain, the island is heavily quarantined, and survivors of the outbreak are abandoned, forcing them to find ways to survive with the infected. When a father and son embark on a journey from the safety of a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily defended causeway, they discover many secrets and horrors of the outside world.[22]
Nia DaCosta is set to direct the second film in the trilogy; Boyle, Garland, Andrew Macdonald, Peter Rice, and Bernie Bellew are attached as producers.[23][24] Principal photography was scheduled to commence directly after production was completed on 28 Years Later,[23][25] and completed in October 2024.[26] While the film's title has not officially been announced, a United States Copyright Office document notes its title as 28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple.[27] The film is set to be released on 16 January 2026.
Untitled fifth film (TBA)
As of 2024, a trilogy of sequels to 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later was in development, with Alex Garland as screenwriter of all three.[11][12][13] In January 2025, Boyle confirmed he would direct the third film in the new trilogy.[15]
Production
In June 2007, Fox Atomic studio confirmed potential for a third film, dependent upon the financial performance of the film following its home video release.[28] In July of the same year, Boyle said that the story for a third instalment had been mapped out.[29] By October 2010, Garland stated that due to differences involving the film rights, the project had been delayed.[30] In January 2011 however, Boyle stated that he believed the project would be realized, stating confirming further developments for the story.[31] By April 2013 however, the filmmaker expressed uncertainty as to whether the movie would be made.[32] In January 2015, Garland addressed the project's status, confirming that while it had fallen into development hell there were serious discussions going on behind the scenes to produce the project. Reiterating that development was progressing, stating that the script he was working on would tentatively be titled 28 Months Later.[33] In June 2019, Boyle confirmed that he and Garland had been working on the third instalment.[34] In March 2020, Imogen Poots expressed interest in reprising her role,[35] followed by Cillian Murphy in May 2021.[36]
In June 2023, Boyle and Garland expressed in collaboration their intentions to "seriously" and "diligently" see the project enter production; while announcing that the script was now titled 28 Years Later, acknowledging the years it had taken to be developed. Boyle stated that he would like to serve as director, unless Garland chooses to.[37] By July of the same year, Murphy stated that he had recently discussed the possibility of a third film with Boyle; once again expressing interest in reprising his role if Boyle and Garland return to the franchise in their creative roles.[38]
In January 2024, it was announced that a third film titled 28 Years Later, was officially in development; with plans for the project to be the first of a new trilogy of sequels. Danny Boyle will direct the first instalment, with a script written by Alex Garland; while the latter will also write the scripts for each of planned sequels. Boyle, Garland, Andrew Macdonald, and Peter Rice will serve as producers. Sony Pictures will distribute the movie.[11][12] In February of the same year, Murphy discussed his potential involvement with the project.[39] In March 2024, Garland confirmed that he is writing a trilogy of sequel films.[13] The following month, the writer stated that Kes was a major influence on his work for 28 Years Later.[40] By April, Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes joined the cast,[25] while Charlie Hunnam entered early negotiations to appear in its cast.[41][42] Later that month, Garland announced that pre-production was underway on the film,[43] while also confirming that the plot will explore how the passage of time influences survival in a post-apocalyptic society.[44] In May of the same year, Cillian Murphy was confirmed to be reprising his role from 28 Days Later,[45] though it was later announced that he will not appear in the first movie of the trilogy.[15]Jack O'Connell joined the cast in a supporting role, which will expand into a leading role for the sequel.[24] The project will enter production back-to-back with its sequel.[25]
In May 2024, 28 Years Later began principal photography[46] and was released on June 20, 2025.[14]
Main cast and characters
List indicators
This section includes characters who will appear or have appeared in noteworthy roles.
An empty grey cell indicates the character was not in the film, or that the character's official presence has not yet been confirmed.
Further information: For more details on the reception of each film, see the "Reception" section in each film's article.
The first film was well received by critics,[1] and was a box office success.[2] In the years that followed, contemporary analysis have called the release a horror classic with a cult following among its fans;[3][47][4] while the movie has also been credited with redefining,[5][6] as well as influencing,[7][8] and expanding the popularity of the zombie horror genre.[9]
The 2007 sequel was similarly a success critically,[48][49] while it turned a smaller profit financially.[10] Several reviews called it a rare worthy and successful sequel,[50][51] and Philip French of The Guardian called it superior to its predecessor.[52]
28 Years Later received generally positive reviews from critics[53][54][55] and had the biggest opening for the series to date.[56]
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