Washington [US], December 11: Nearly three decades after the release of 28 Days Later, the long-awaited sequel 28 Years Later has dropped its first haunting trailer, stirring excitement among fans of the original post-apocalyptic zombie thriller.
Directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, the film takes audiences back to the world ravaged by the Rage Virus. The trailer sets a chilling atmosphere, set to Rudyard Kipling’s war poem “Boots”, as it reveals a desolate, post-apocalyptic England.
Actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson is seen navigating the eerie, overgrown fields of the country, equipped with a bow and arrow, suggesting that society is attempting to rebuild amidst the destruction. A major highlight of the trailer is the return of Cillian Murphy, who reprises his role as Jim from the original film. However, his character takes a darker turn in 28 Years Later, with a zombified version of Jim haunting Jodie Comer’s character.
According to Deadline, Murphy also serves as an executive producer for the film, marking his return to the franchise after missing the 2007 follow-up, 28 Weeks Later. The film’s tagline, “Time didn’t heal anything,” reflects the ongoing horrors of the Rage Virus, even decades after the original outbreak.
28 Years Later is set to premiere on June 20, 2025, and will kick off a planned trilogy. Alongside Murphy, the film introduces new characters played by Taylor-Johnson, Comer, Ralph Fiennes, Erin Kellyman, and Jack O’Connell. Produced by Columbia Pictures in association with BFI, DNA Films, and Decibel Films, the film is a collaboration between Boyle, Garland, and producers Andrew MacDonald and Peter Rice.
Fans of the franchise can look forward to a thrilling return to a world of infection, survival, and chaos when the film hits theatres next summer.