The long-awaited sequel to the cult classic 28 Days Later is finally on the horizon. 28 Years Later, directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, is set to terrify audiences when it hits theaters on June 2025. Fans of the franchise have even more to look forward to with the recent announcement of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the second film in this planned trilogy, slated for release on January 16, 2026. Here’s everything we know so far about these two films.
The Journey of the Franchise
The 28 Days Later franchise began in 2002 with the release of Danny Boyle’s groundbreaking zombie film, which introduced audiences to a post-apocalyptic London overrun by the rage virus. Starring a then up-and-coming Cillian Murphy as Jim, the film explored themes of survival, societal collapse, and the human condition amidst chaos.
Though Murphy didn’t return for the 2007 sequel, 28 Weeks Later, his involvement in 28 Years Later has sparked excitement. Not only is Murphy an executive producer, but his “mystery role” in the film has been a major point of speculation among fans.
What We Know About 28 Years Later
Set nearly three decades after the original outbreak, 28 Years Later takes place in a world still under a strict quarantine. The official synopsis teases a story centered on a small group of survivors who have built a precarious existence on a fortified island. Their fragile peace is disrupted when one member ventures onto the mainland, discovering shocking truths about the infected and the humans who have managed to survive alongside them.
In October, Ralph Fiennes, who stars as a compassionate doctor in the film, described the story as a mix of hope and horror. His character plays a pivotal role in aiding a young boy on a dangerous mission to save his mother—a plotline that promises emotional depth alongside the visceral terror the series is known for.
The Bone Temple: Expanding the Universe
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is directed by Nia DaCosta (The Marvels, Candyman) with a screenplay by Alex Garland. This installment is set to release just six months after 28 Years Later, continuing the momentum of the story. While the specifics of the plot remain under wraps, fans can expect an even deeper dive into the consequences of the rage virus and its impact on survivors.
What’s Next?
With two films already in the works and a third to follow, the 28 Days Later universe is poised to solidify its place in horror history. Danny Boyle’s return to the director’s chair and Alex Garland’s involvement signal a return to the series’ roots while promising fresh perspectives and narratives. As we count down to June 2025, anticipation is at an all-time high for a franchise that has redefined zombie horror.
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