Danny Boyle’s chilling sequel explores evolved zombies and survivor communities 28 years after the rage virus outbreak, hinting at Cillian Murphy’s mysterious return.
The highly anticipated 28 Years Later movie, the latest installment in the acclaimed zombie apocalypse series, has unveiled its first trailer, offering viewers an initial glimpse into the next chapter of Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s chilling franchise.
Slated for release on June 20, 2025, 28 Years Later takes place, as its name implies, nearly thirty years after the initial outbreak of the devastating virus. This new zombie film, produced by Columbia Pictures and set to be distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing, promises to be a thrilling addition to the apocalyptic genre.
Official Plot Summary
The reunion of Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Alex Garland brings forth 28 Years Later, a chilling new narrative within the universe established by 28 Days Later. Nearly thirty years have passed since the rage virus escaped from a biological weapons laboratory. In the strictly maintained quarantine zone, some individuals have adapted to life among the infected. A particular group of survivors has established themselves on an island, connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-guarded bridge. When one member ventures from the island into the treacherous mainland, he uncovers mysteries, marvels, and terrors that have transformed the infected and fellow survivors.
Alex Garland at the world premiere of Civil War at South by Southwest 2024
Photo credit: Jay Dixit, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Trailer Breakdown
The trailer begins with an eerie scene featuring children watching Teletubbies, a British children’s program (with what appears to be a grim outcome). The scene then jumps forward 28 years, revealing a community of survivors on an island, possibly inspired by locations like Holy Island in Northumberland, governed by strict social protocols. However, something sinister lurks beneath the surface of this new apocalypse movie.
Kraven the Hunter lead Aaron Taylor-Johnson, part of the impressive 28 Years Later cast, is seen armed with a bow and arrow, embarking on a mysterious expedition alongside Alfie Williams’ teenage character, leaving their island sanctuary. Predictably, their journey goes awry, forcing them to seek shelter in a house where they encounter what appears to be a restrained and bound zombie.
The trailer is filled with unsettling imagery, suggesting that human survivors pose as much threat as the infected. It features what seem to be evolved zombies and possibly mutated humans. A haunting rendition of Boots accompanies the footage, Rudyard Kipling’s 1903 poem that depicts the repetitive thoughts of a British soldier on march.
Cillian Murphy’s Return
Oppenheimer actor Cillian Murphy is set to return in 28 Years Later, though a Sony executive has hinted at his appearance being “unexpected and evolutionary.” One particular shot in the trailer shows a zombie resembling Murphy, potentially hinting at the nature of his return and adding to the intrigue surrounding Cillian Murphy’s characters in the franchise.
Franchise History and Streaming Availability
For those who want to revisit the original film, you can watch 28 Days Later on various streaming platforms to refresh your memory before diving into this sequel. 28 Days Later marked one of Murphy’s career-defining roles in 2002, where he portrayed Jim, a bicycle courier who emerges from a coma to find London transformed into a post-apocalyptic wasteland following the outbreak of a rage-inducing virus. Murphy was notably absent from the 2007 sequel 28 Weeks Later, which focused on different characters.
Project Announcement and Future Plans
The project’s official confirmation came in January of this year, with an ambitious announcement revealing plans for a complete trilogy. This news has generated excitement among franchise fans, who have eagerly awaited the story’s continuation since 28 Months Later, which was initially rumored but never materialized. Adding to the excitement, IGN exclusively reported that Nia DaCosta, known for her directorial work on The Marvels and Candyman, has been engaged in discussions to helm the second instalment of the planned trilogy.
Cast Speculations and Industry Support
While details about the entire 28 Years Later movie are still under wraps, industry insiders speculate that the film might feature an ensemble cast including talented actors like Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, and Jack O’Connell. However, official casting announcements are yet to be made. The British Film Institute has expressed interest in supporting the project, recognizing its potential impact on the UK film industry.
Behind the Camera
Cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle, who worked on the original 28 Days Later, is rumored to be in talks to return for this new sequel, potentially bringing his distinctive visual style to the post-apocalyptic landscape of 28 Years Later.
As fans eagerly await more information about the 28 Years Later full movie, speculation runs rife about potential plot twists, the evolution of the infected, and the fate of the surviving characters. With Danny Boyle at the helm once again, expectations are high for this highly anticipated addition to the zombie genre.
Source:
Wesley Yin-Poole (December 10, 2024). First Trailer for 28 Years Later Reveals Aaron Taylor-Johnson With a Bow and Arrow, What Might Be Zombie Cillian Murphy, and the Teletubbies. https://www.ign.com/articles/first-trailer-for-28-years-later-reveals-aaron-taylor-johnson-with-a-bow-and-arrow-what-might-be-zombie-cillian-murphy-and-the-teletubbies. Accessed December 10, 2024
Header Photo:
Danny Boyle auf dem Roten Teppich zu T2 Trainspotting im Rahmen der Berlinale 2017
Photo credit: Maximilian Bühn, CC-BY-SA 4.0, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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