28 Years Later — Release Date & News

Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s long‑anticipated return to the 28 Days Later universe is finally here. The sequel, titled 28 Years Later, lands in theatres on June 20, 2025, marking a full 23 years since the original's debut in 2002 . Packed with fresh faces like Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor‑Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, and newcomer Alfie Williams, the film promises a visceral blend of horror, emotion, and philosophical depth.

Release Info

What We Know so Far

Plot & Setting

Set nearly three decades after the Rage Virus pandemic, the film opens on a quarantined Britain, where an isolated community lives on Lindisfarne (Holy Island), linked by a defiant causeway to the infected mainland . The family of Jamie (Taylor‑Johnson), Isla (Comer), and their son Spike (Alfie Williams) ventures into the mainland for a rite‑of‑passage—only to encounter mutated horrors, cult‑like rituals, and evolved infected who hunt in packs .

Cast Highlights

• Alfie Williams, playing Spike at age 13, has drawn early acclaim: “indisputable protagonist,” “outstanding new talent,” and “excellent” .

• Jodie Comer applies a Geordie accent, enriching the local, tight‑knit island dialect .

• Ralph Fiennes stars as Dr. Kelson, an eccentric survivor who performs disturbing rituals .

Production Backstory

Shot May–July 2024 across northern England (Northumberland, Yorkshire, Holy Island), Boyle returned to handheld, documentary‑style cinematography using iPhone 15 Pro Max—echoing the original film’s gritty aesthetic . The score by Young Fathers—making their film debut—blends nostalgia with new atmospheric tension .

Early Reactions & Box Office Buzz

• Reviews: Critics are raving. New York Post calls it “warped, shocking and fantastic,” praising emotional depth ; Daily Beast hails it as modern horror’s best zombie franchise ; Vanity Fair highlights its metaphysical, medieval‑ritual tone .

• Ticket Sales: Advanced ticket sales hit $34 million in 24 hours—making it the top horror presale of 2025 .

• Thematic Depth: Critics note the film’s reflective nature, touching on topics like Brexit, pandemic‑era quarantine, and societal rebirth .

Sequels & Franchise Revival

• 28 Years Later is the first of a planned trilogy.

• The second film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, directed by Nia DaCosta, releases on January 16, 2026 .

• Boyle will return to direct the final installment .

• Cillian Murphy remains involved as executive producer, with hints of a possible cameo in later entries .

Highlights in Bullet Points

• Release: June 20, 2025 (UK/US)

• Director: Original filmmaker Danny Boyle returns

• Cinematography: iPhone 15 tech revives the franchise's distinctive look

• Cast: Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor‑Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, and breakout star Alfie Williams

• Reviews: Universally strong, with praise for horror, visuals, story, and performances

• Box-office: Record-breaking presales in the horror genre

• Trilogy: Film #2 in Jan 2026; #3 (title TBD) to follow, with Boyle helming

Conclusion

28 Years Later isn’t just a follow‑up—it’s a profound evolution of the 28 franchise. Boyle’s return, coupled with Garland’s writing, world‑class performances, and striking visuals, has created both a compelling standalone piece and a launchpad for a trilogy. With record ticket momentum and early acclaim, the film seems poised to redefine modern horror cinema.

Whether you’re a die‑hard fan of the original or a newcomer drawn in by the buzz, mark June 20, 2025 on your calendar. If this is the standard for what's to come, the whole trilogy could redefine post‑apocalyptic storytelling in the 21st century.