28 Years Later recap: 5 most important plot points from the first two films

28 Years Later is ready to be released on June 20, 2025. This post-apocalyptic horror film is the third entry in the franchise after 2002's 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later, which was released in 2007. The new film marks the return of director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland from the first release of the franchise. Here is the official synopsis, per Letterboxd:

Twenty-eight years since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One such group lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one member departs 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.

Before the film releases, here is a recap of the first two films through five plot points.

Before 28 Years Later releases, here are 5 most important plot points from the first two films

Ahead of the release of 28 Years Later, here is a recap of key plot points from the earlier two films of the franchise.

1) The rage virus came from a chimpanzee

28 Days Later introduces us to a rage virus that turns people into fast-moving zombies. The comic book, 28 Days Later: The Aftermath, reveals that two Cambridge scientists wanted to prevent rage and anger in humans. So, they experimented on a chimpanzee as an inhibitor and later used the Ebola virus, since it spreads faster. However, the inhibitor went through a mutation, and the rage was increased.

2) The rage virus originated in the UK

28 Days Later starts with Jim (Cillian Murphy) waking up in a hospital exactly 28 days after the virus outbreak. He moves out and realizes the whole of London is empty, and society as we know it has collapsed. The film hints that the outbreak began in the United Kingdom. Jim eventually comes across some survivors, and the story picks up from there.

3) Jim's eventual fate

Towards the end of the film, Jim realizes that the soldiers they are with are planning to keep the women as their slaves. So they decide to escape, but one of the soldiers ends up shooting Jim. The storyline jumps 28 days further, and we see that Jim has survived. They are in Cumbria and see a jet flying over them.

A still from 28 Days Later (Image via Sony Pictures Entertainment)

4) Andy and Tammy's whereabouts are not known

In 28 Years Later, Tammy and Andy are two important characters. Towards the end of 28 Weeks Later, they leave London in a helicopter, heading toward France. The film then jumps 28 weeks and the wreckage of the helicopter is seen. The wheareabouts of the two have not been shown in detail.

5) The rage virus has entered France

As 28 Weeks Later ends, we realize that the virus is spreading across mainland Europe. We see a bunch of zombies at a metro station near the Eiffel Tower, and a call is heard where the authorities are asking for backup. The virus is expected to spread, and that will be shown in 28 Years Later.

28 Years Later is scheduled to release on June 20, 2025.