28 Years Later is a 2025 post-apocalyptic horror drama film directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland. It is the third installment in the 28 Days Later franchise, following 28 Days Later (2002) and 28 Weeks Later (2007). The film stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams (in his feature debut), and Ralph Fiennes.
Produced by Columbia Pictures, DNA Films, and Decibel Films, the movie was released on 20 June 2025 by Sony Pictures Releasing. With a budget of $60 million, it grossed over $150 million worldwide, receiving positive reviews from critics and ranking among the top horror releases of the year.
The project had been in development hell for over a decade due to rights disputes, until 2024, when Andrew Macdonald repurchased the franchise rights and secured Sony’s backing for a trilogy of sequels. Boyle and Garland reunited with cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle, marking their first collaboration on the series since the 2002 original.
Plot
The story opens in 2002, during the first Rage Virus outbreak. A boy, Jimmy Crystal, escapes his infected family and receives a cross necklace from his father, a minister who embraces the epidemic as Judgment Day.
Twenty-eight years later, the virus has been eradicated in continental Europe, but the British Isles remain under strict quarantine. Survivors live on Lindisfarne, a fortified island community. Among them are Jamie, his ill wife Isla, and their son Spike.
During a coming-of-age hunt, Jamie and Spike encounter an evolved “Alpha” infected, narrowly escaping. The incident sparks unrest in the village. Spike later discovers Jamie’s affair and, desperate to help Isla, flees with her to mainland Britain.
They meet Erik Sundqvist, a Swedish Navy seaman, and Dr. Ian Kelson, a former GP who has built a grim bone monument symbolizing memento mori. Isla is diagnosed with terminal cancer and chooses euthanasia, leaving her skull to Spike as a remembrance.
As Spike wrestles with grief, Kelson warns him of “Samson,” the Alpha leader. Spike fights Samson but, disillusioned, abandons the infant daughter of an infected mother at the village gates. He ventures alone, only to be captured by a cult led by an adult Jimmy Crystal, now adorned with his inverted cross necklace.
Cast
- Alfie Williams as Spike
- Jodie Comer as Isla
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Jamie
- Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Ian Kelson
- Edvin Ryding as Erik Sundqvist
- Chi Lewis-Parry as Samson (Alpha infected)
- Christopher Fulford as Sam
- Stella Gonet as Jenny
- Jack O’Connell as Jimmy Crystal
- Rocco Haynes as Young Jimmy Crystal
Production
Development
A third 28 Days Later film was discussed since 2007. Rights conflicts delayed progress until 2024, when producer Andrew Macdonald reacquired rights and partnered with Sony. The film was retitled 28 Years Later, with plans to launch a new trilogy. Boyle returned as director, Garland as writer, and original star Cillian Murphy joined as an executive producer.
Casting
In 2024, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, and Jack O’Connell were cast. Rising actor Alfie Williams was chosen for the lead role. Murphy, though not reprising his role as Jim, remained involved as executive producer.
Filming
Filming began in Northumberland on 7 May 2024 and wrapped on 29 July. Boyle used a mix of iPhone 15 Pro Max, drones, and digital rigs to mimic the raw style of 28 Days Later. Locations included Lindisfarne, Newcastle upon Tyne, Kielder Forest, Ripon, Bradford, and Cheddar Gorge. The iconic Sycamore Gap tree (felled in 2023) was digitally recreated for the film.
Music
The soundtrack was composed by Young Fathers and released by Milan Records on 20 June 2025.
Release
28 Years Later premiered on 19 June 2025 at the Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle, followed by wide release in the UK, US, and Canada on 20 June 2025.
The first trailer, released in December 2024, went viral, featuring Taylor Holmes’s 1915 recital of Rudyard Kipling’s Boots. Its success led Sony to re-release 28 Days Later digitally.
Reception
Box Office
- Budget: $60 million
- Worldwide gross: $150.4 million
- Opening weekend (US/Canada): $30 million, the highest in franchise history.
Critical Response
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 88% approval rating (378 reviews). Metacritic scored it 77/100, indicating “generally favorable reviews.”
- The Daily Telegraph praised it as Boyle’s best film since Slumdog Millionaire.
- The Times hailed its “bold, hallucinogenic” style.
- Rolling Stone called it a sharp reflection of modern anxieties.
- The Independent described it as “a post-Brexit, COVID-aware take” but noted unevenness.
- The Wall Street Journal and The Detroit News were critical, citing tonal inconsistencies.
Audiences polled by CinemaScore graded it B, while PostTrak found 52% would definitely recommend it.
Accolades
- Golden Trailer Awards (2025): Won Best of Show, Most Original Trailer, Best Voice Over.
- Astra Midseason Movie Awards: Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Williams).
- Fangoria Chainsaw Awards (2025): Pending nominations for Best Wide Release, Director, Score, Makeup FX.
Sequel
A direct sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, directed by Nia DaCosta, is scheduled for release in January 2026, continuing Garland’s planned trilogy.
