28 Days Later (film series)

The 28 Days Later series consists of post-apocalyptic horror films, based on a concept conceived by Alex Garland. The series includes two released films, while multiple sequels are in various stages of development. The plot follows the scientific developments of a pathogenic-disease known as the Rage Virus which is intended for chemical warfare, and its rapid effects on the world population after its unintentional release from laboratories. The series follows various survivors, as they fight to escape contaminated areas and reach designated safe zones, while they attempt to stay ahead of the masses of infected people around them.

The first film was well received by critics,^[1] and was a box office success.^[2] It has been called a horror classic and has a cult following.^[3][4] It has also been credited with redefining,^[5][6] as well as influencing,^[7][8] and expanding the popularity of the zombie horror genre.^[9] The 2007 sequel was also a success critically,^[10][11] and financially.^[12] Several reviews called it a rare worthy and successful sequel,^[13][14] or superior to its predecessor.^[15]

The series of films will continue with a trilogy of sequels in various stages of development;^[16][17][18] including 28 Years Later which is slated for release on June 20, 2025.^[19]

When animal activists infiltrate a top secret laboratory of scientists studying a highly contagious and powerful disease intended for chemical warfare known as the Rage Virus with intentions to release the animals, they unknowingly release chimpanzees who had been infected with the pathogen. Despite the warnings of the scientists, all of the animals are freed from their capture resulting in a rapid outbreak. Twenty-eight days afterward, a bicyclist named Jim awakens in a hospital after a near-death accident placed him into a coma and under medical care. Unaware of the events which transpired during the previous month, Jim is troubled to find himself seemingly alone and releases himself from the medical machines in the room. As he wanders London, he discovers that the city is heavily covered in litter and is left vacant. As the world around him seems to have disappeared, Jim begins searching for answers only to be chased by a large group of infected, crazed, and psychotic civilians before being rescued by other survivors Selena and Mark. After his newfound allies inform him of the outbreak, the events which caused it and the reality that the entire nation has been overtaken, the trio continue their journey to Jim's parents' home, with hopes to find additional survivors. After Mark succumbs to the virus and is killed by Selena however, Jim is determined to assist with protecting her from the infected, and escape England. Along the way, the pair grow more dependent on each other and soon find additional allies in Frank, and his daughter Hannah. Together the group determines to travel to Manchester after hearing a broadcast which promises assistance from the military by Major Henry West. Soon they realize that the battle they must face in surviving includes unexpected factors, beyond the onslaught of zombified citizens swarming the streets.^[20][21][22]

During the events of the initial outbreak a group of survivors including Donald Harris and his wife Alice have taken refuge in an isolated cottage on the outskirts of London. When an orphaned boy begs at the door for their assistance, the group determines to allow him entrance; only for a horde of following infected assailants to overtake the home. In a panic of saving his own life, Don retreats from the house while the rest of the group are overwhelmed by the invaders. As the days turn into weeks, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces have assumed oversight and control of Britain. Twenty-eight weeks later, established safe zones have been secured throughout the United Kingdom. Under the direction of NATO, an American Armed Forces initiates the process of allowing citizens back into their respective countries through these fortified areas. Among the initial entries are Tammy and Andy Harris, the children of Don and Alice, who are reunited with their father in District One. As he relays the events which transpired during the initial spread of the pathogenic virus, including the assumed death of their mother, the children determine among themselves that night to sneak out of the safe zone and into the quarantined city where their former home is. Tammy and Andy work together with hopes in recovering valuable memories of their mother. While they are successful in doing so, the pair are surprised when they are confronted by Alice who is delirious and semi-conscious, but alive. Discovered by American soldiers, the trio of apprehended and taken back to District One where they are placed in isolation. After being tested by United States Army medical officer Maj. Scarlet Levy, the children show no signs of infection. Alice is additionally found to be an asymptomatic carrier of the Rage Virus, and is under the military's medical care for further examination. Tormented by his choice to save his life by abandoning his wife weeks previous, Don makes an unauthorized visit to Alice in isolation. While begging for her forgiveness and after kissing her in an expressing of his love, Don is infected and within seconds becomes overtaken by the virus. After killing Alice, the infected Don initiates a rapid chain reaction outbreak during his rampage, and protective measures are initiated with militant-ordered extermination of all citizens within District One. Despite these orders, Maj. Levy rescues Tammy and Andy realizing that the solution to the virus may be within their genetic composition due to the asymptomatic response their mother had shown. As NATO orders a bombing of the entire surrounding area, the group alongside their newly acquired ally Delta Force Army soldier Sgt. Doyle races against time to preserve a potential cure for mankind.^[23][24][25]

In June 2007, Fox Atomic studio confirmed potential for a third film, dependent upon the financial performance of the film following its home video release.^[26] In July of the same year, Boyle said that the story for a third installment had been mapped out.^[27] By October 2010, Garland stated that due to differences involving the film rights, the project had been delayed.^[28] In January 2011 however, Boyle stated that he believed the project would be realized, stating confirming further developments for the story.^[29] By April 2013 however, the filmmaker expressed uncertainty as to whether the movie would be made.^[30] In January 2015, Garland addressed the project's status, confirming that while it had fallen into development hell there were serious discussions going on behind the scenes to produce the project. Reiterating that development was progressing, stating that the script he was working on would tentatively be titled 28 Months Later.^[31] In June 2019, Boyle confirmed that he and Garland had been working on the third installment.^[32] In March 2020, Imogen Poots expressed interest in reprising her role,^[33] followed by Cillian Murphy in May 2021.^[34]

In June 2023, Boyle and Garland expressed in collaboration their intentions to "seriously" and "diligently" see the project enter production; while announcing that the script was now titled 28 Years Later, acknowledging the years it had taken to be developed. Boyle stated that he would like to serve as director, unless Garland chooses to.^[35] By July of the same year, Murphy stated that he had recently discussed the possibility of a third film with Boyle; once again expressing interest in reprising his role if Boyle and Garland return to the franchise in their creative roles.^[36]

In January 2024, it was announced that a third film titled 28 Years Later, was officially in development; with plans for the project to be the first of a new trilogy of sequels. Danny Boyle will direct the first installment, with a script written by Alex Garland; while the latter will also write the scripts for each of planned sequels. Boyle, Garland, Andrew Macdonald, and Peter Rice will serve as producers. Sony Pictures will distribute the movie.^[16][17] In February of the same year, Murphy discussed his potential involvement with the project.^[37] In March 2024, Garland confirmed that he is writing a trilogy of sequel films.^[18] The following month, the writer stated that Kes was a major influence on his work for 28 Years Later.^[38] By April, Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes joined the cast,^[39] while Charlie Hunnam entered early negotiations to appear in its cast.^[40][41] Later that month, Garland announced that pre-production was underway on the film,^[42] while also confirming that the plot will explore how the passage of time influences survival in a post-apocalyptic society.^[43] In May of the same year, Cillian Murphy was confirmed to be reprising his role from 28 Days Later;^[44] followed by Jack O'Connell joining the cast in a supporting role, which will expand into a leading role for the sequel.^[45] The project will enter production back-to-back with its sequel.^[39]

In May 2024, 28 Years Later began principal photography^[46] and is scheduled for theatrical release on June 20, 2025.^[19]

In April 2024, Nia DaCosta entered early negotiations to direct the second film in the new trilogy of sequels; while Boyle, Garland, Andrew Macdonald, Peter Rice, and Bernie Bellew are attached as producers.^[47] The following month, DaCosta was confirmed to have signed onto the project as director.^[45] Principal photography is scheduled to commence directly following production is completed on 28 Years Later.^[47][39] While the film's title has not officially been announced, a United States Copyright Office document notes its title as 28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple.^[48] By October 2024, production on the movie was completed.^[49] In December 2024 it was confirmed that 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple will be released on 16 January 2026.

In January 2024, it was announced that a trilogy of sequels to 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later was in development, with Alex Garland serving as the screenwriter of the three films.^[16][17] In March of the same year, Garland confirmed that he had written scripts for three individual movies.^[18]

The first film was well received by critics,^[1] and was a box office success.^[2] In the years that followed, contemporary analysis have called the release a horror classic with a cult following among its fans;^[3][50][4] while the movie has also been credited with redefining,^[5][6] as well as influencing,^[7][8] and expanding the popularity of the zombie horror genre.^[9]

The 2007 sequel was similarly a success critically,^[10][11] while it turned a smaller profit financially.^[12] Several reviews called it a rare worthy and successful sequel,^[13][14] and Philip French of The Guardian called it superior to its predecessor.^[15]