28 Years Later: Release Date, Cast Information, Plot Details, Trailer, and Complete Overview

More than twenty years have passed since the iconic zombie film 28 Days Later hit theaters, and its director Danny Boyle, along with writer Alex Garland, are re-entering the horror genre with the eagerly anticipated sequel, 28 Years Later. Originally credited with reviving the zombie genre in the early 2000s, 28 Days Later tells the story of Jim (played by Cillian Murphy), a bicycle courier who emerges from a month-long coma to find London in the grips of a devastating rage virus. Unlike traditional zombies, the infected in this film were depicted as quicker, more aggressive, and terrifying, setting a new standard for the genre.

Although Boyle and Garland were only minimally involved with its creation, a sequel titled 28 Weeks Later was released in 2007, and it was met with positive reception. The 28 Days Later franchise has been crucial in revitalizing the zombie film landscape, influencing the Dawn of the Dead remake, successful parodies like Shaun of the Dead, and the extensive The Walking Dead series. As excitement builds, Boyle and Garland are ready to unleash even more horror elements in 28 Years Later, embarking on an ambitious trilogy designed to expand the narrative.

Latest News on 28 Years Later

Teaser Trailer Released

Empty London Bridge scene from 28 Days Later

Brendan Gleeson, Cillian Murphy, and Naomi Harris in 28 Days Later

Alternate ending scene from 28 Days Later

The creative team has wrapped up production on the initial film of what is expected to be a thrilling new series. Recently, a teaser trailer for 28 Years Later was unveiled, offering a glimpse of what’s to come. This brief, enigmatic trailer lasts under 30 seconds and features an ominous black screen interspersed with Morse code that translates to “Tuesday.”Accompanying this are quick flashes of compelling imagery, including an inverted skull, the biohazard symbol, and a mysterious island, potentially hinting at the film’s setting. This Morse code could indicate the imminent release of a more extensive trailer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gABRheXVNo

Release Date for 28 Years Later

Zombie Franchise Set to Return in 2025

Jim wandering in empty streets in 28 Days Later

After multiple updates since its formal announcement, 28 Years Later has solidified its release date. The highly anticipated zombie threequel is scheduled to hit theaters on June 20, 2025. This summer release aims to position the film as a blockbuster contender, though no release dates for the subsequent films in the planned trilogy have been disclosed yet.

The sequel’s direction is in good hands, with Candyman director Nia DaCosta helming the second film in the series, titled 28 Years Later II: The Bone Temple.

Cast Details for 28 Years Later

Cillian Murphy to Reprise His Role as Jim

Cillian Murphy in a deserted London from 28 Days Later.

The cast for 28 Years Later is increasingly shaping up, although many details remain under wraps. Originally introduced in 28 Days Later, Cillian Murphy’s character Jim returns, despite being absent from the earlier sequel. In addition to Murphy reprising his role, the cast will also include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes, though the specifics of their roles remain undisclosed.

Furthermore, Jack O’Connell has been cast in a pivotal character whose arc will span the entirety of the trilogy. The roles of Fiennes and Taylor-Johnson are still shrouded in mystery, whereas O’Connell’s character is expected to evolve throughout all three films.

The confirmed cast list includes:

Actor	Role in 28 Years Later
Cillian Murphy	Jim
Aaron Taylor-Johnson	Unknown
Jodie Comer	Unknown
Ralph Fiennes	Unknown
Jack O’Connell	Unknown
Erin Kellyman	Unknown
Edwin Ryding	Unknown

Story Insights for 28 Years Later

Exploring Three Decades of the Rage Virus

Cillian Murphy as Jim looking up amidst chaos in 28 Days Later — Custom Image by SR Image Editor

While detailed plot outlines for 28 Years Later are not yet available, the title hints at a significant temporal jump intended to examine the long-term ramifications of the rage virus outbreak. There were initial plans for a script titled 28 Months Later, as reported by Variety, but it appears that the creative team is taking a fresh direction with the new installment. The conclusion of 28 Days Later provided a semblance of hope, suggesting the eradication of the infected, yet the sequel showcased the resurgence of chaos in London.

The sequel, 28 Weeks Later, ended on a grim note, with survivors fleeing to a Paris overrun by the infected. It remains unclear whether the narrative of 28 Years Later will depict a world still battling the virus or a return to semblances of normalcy before a resurgence—or perhaps a mix of both.

Trailer for 28 Years Later

Watch the Teaser Below

Cillian Murphy and characters from 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later — Custom Image by Dhruv Sharma.

A teaser for 28 Years Later was shared in December 2024, albeit with minimal information. The fleeting teaser showcases a black screen, punctuated by splashes of imagery like an inverted skull and the biohazard sign. Alongside this, the only sound represented is Morse code spelling out “Tuesday,”which hints at the reveal of an upcoming, more detailed trailer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gABRheXVNo

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