Danny Boyle reveals new details about 28 Years Later trilogy

28 Years Later will be taking forward the legacy of the franchise after 18 years. The post-apocalyptic zombie horror film also marks the return of director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland. Sony Pictures Releasing will be releasing the film on June 20, 2025. The film stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes. Here’s the official synopsis:

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.

Danny Boyle reveals certain things about the 28 Years Later trilogy

Danny Boyle has directed the upcoming 28 Years Later film, marking his return to the franchise after the first installment. At a recently held screening of the film, the director revealed certain details about the trilogy—including the fact that the third installment might not be a direct continuation. He said:

"Alex [Garland] and I began talking about, "Should we do something additional to it? Should we add something to it?" We did [have] our original idea, which was sort of what you'd expect, really. It was a "weaponize the virus" type sequel, which is where an agency or a government or a military gets the virus and weaponizes it; that kind of story. Neither of us went for it, really. but then he started talking about this much bigger story."

He added,

"It's spread over three films, ultimately, and each film would stand independently. But there'd be a bigger tale to tell, and it would be based in a family, and that these two [points to Aaron and Jodie] would be the origin of the family. So, it's independent from the first film, but it's still the same apocalypse 28 years later as it was for Cillian Murphy in the first film and Naomie Harris. But this is 28 years later, and we don't know what's happened to them [Jim and Selena]. I'm not allowed to tell you, but these two are more than worthy stand-ins."

More about the franchise

The first film in the franchise, 28 Days Later, takes place exactly 28 days after a zombie outbreak that causes a collapse of society. The story is told through the experiences of a bicycle courier. Its sequel, 28 Weeks Later, takes place years after the first film’s storyline. It showcases NATO (backed by the USA) creating a safe zone in the city of London, where the virus appears once again. 28 Years Later, meanwhile, will take place exactly 28 years after the rage virus first wreaked havoc on humanity.