Nearly two decades after the ground-breaking release of “28 Days Later,” fans of the zombie genre are in for a treat as director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland are teaming up once again for a sequel, “28 Years Later.” This new chapter is not just a standalone film; it’s the starting signal for a potential trilogy, resurrecting the nightmarish world that once captivated audiences worldwide.
In a thrilling announcement that has shaken the foundations of horror cinema, it has been revealed that the creators behind the original 2002 film, which became a surprise box office hit and reanimated the zombie horror genre, are crafting a fresh narrative arc to terrorize the screens. “28 Years Later” is set to introduce a modern, post-apocalyptic vision that hopes to emulate the success and innovation of its predecessor.
Boyle, the acclaimed director whose portfolio includes “Slumdog Millionaire” and “127 Hours,” is attached to direct the first installment of this ambitious project. Garland, meanwhile, is slated to pen the scripts for all three films, ensuring a coherent and gripping storyline. The two, who served as executive producers for the intermediate sequel “28 Weeks Later,” are now taking a more hands-on approach with the franchise’s evolution.
The upcoming trilogy is expected to be a significant financial undertaking, with an estimated budget of around $75 million per movie. This figure marks a considerable increase from the modest $8 million budget of “28 Days Later,” highlighting the confidence in the franchise’s enduring appeal. With Andrew Macdonald, the original producer, and Peter Rice, formerly of Fox Searchlight Pictures, on board as producers, the project is already signaling a robust production pedigree.
“28 Years Later” is poised to make waves as it is shopped around studios, streamers, and other potential buyers, with the hope of capturing the same critical and box office acclaim as George Miller’s “Mad Max: Fury Road,” which similarly marked a triumphant return to a beloved series after a long hiatus.
The original film’s protagonist, portrayed by Cillian Murphy, is remembered for his harrowing journey through a desolate UK landscape, overrun by ferocious, virus-infected beings. Murphy, who has since achieved fame with roles in “Oppenheimer” and Christopher Nolan’s “Batman Begins,” has expressed his eagerness to reprise his role.
While the casting for “28 Years Later” has not been finalized, the excitement around Boyle’s and Garland’s reunion has already generated a buzz among fans and industry insiders alike. The potential to explore the pandemic themes and society’s fragility in a contemporary context gives this sequel trilogy all the makings of a cinematic event, one that could once again redefine the parameters of horror and suspense on the silver screen.
As we await further news on the project, including release dates and casting decisions, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a high-stakes, high-intensity journey back into the world of “28 Days Later.” The resurgence of the fast-moving, aggressive zombies that once revolutionized the genre seems imminent, and audiences are bracing themselves for the next outbreak of apocalyptic terror.
Relevant articles:
– Danny Boyle, Alex Garland Teaming for Sequel to Their Zombie Hit ’28 Days Later’
– 28 Years Later: Danny Boyle and Alex Garland reportedly reuniting for third zombie film
– Danny Boyle and Alex Garland are reuniting for a ‘28 Days Later’ sequel
– Danny Boyle and Alex Garland Are Making a ’28 Days Later’ Sequel