Over two decades after the world was first introduced to the deadly rage virus in 28 Days Later, the post-apocalyptic zombie franchise is returning for a new film.
Dubbed 28 Years Later, the film will be set (obviously) 28 years after the storyline of the first film, with the franchise’s original director Danny Boyle and scriptwriter Alex Garland signing on to revamp the zombie saga.
With the franchise serving as his breakout role, Academy Award winner Cillian Murphy has also been reported to be returning to the franchise, but based on the first teaser, it appears that his latest role may be a bit different to what fans initially expected.
As we count down the minutes until the film’s premiere, scroll down to find out everything we know so far about 28 Years Later.

When is 28 Years Later coming out?
Now that the trailer has *finally* dropped, we know that 28 Years Later will be released in cinemas from June 20, 2025.
While the news of one film is already exciting enough for fans of the franchise, Deadline reported that the sequel will be the first film in a new 28 Years Later trilogy.
To achieve the story’s continuity, Film Stories has shared that the first two films will be shot in succession, with production starting on both films in June 2024.

Who is the cast of 28 Years Later?
Breaking the news in May 2024, Deadline confirmed that Bullet Train star Aaron Taylor-Johnson will star in 28 Years Later alongside Killing Eve’s Jodie Cromer and Harry Potter star Ralph Fiennes.
While the franchise has signed on some major star-power for its revival, Aaron revealed no one from the list of household names will be leading the film.
“I’ve just done a movie, 28 Years Later, with Danny Boyle, and the lead is this young lad Alfie who is 13,” he told Mythical Kitchen, adding, “I really took him under my wing, as did Danny, and we took care of him in a way that was like, I remember being that 13-year-old, but I didn’t have someone who took me under my wing.”

Following the initial news, it was reported that Cillian Murphy would be returning to reprise his role as Jim. While fans continued to speculate about what role he would play in the film, based on the first trailer, fans are convinced that his character will feature as someone infected by the rage virus.
Although his involvement hasn’t yet been confirmed, fans have been quick to point out the resemblance to Cillian, albeit looking a little bit worse for wear.

What is 28 Years Later about?
Despite the plot being kept a closely guarded secret for much of production, the trailer has given us a vague idea of what we can expect.
Unlike the first film which was set in London, 28 Years Later appears to be focused on an isolated island community who have come together to protect those who have yet to be infected, with the clip listing town occupations such as councillor, seamster, and watch tower.
Ralph Fiennes gave fans a brief insight into the upcoming plot, telling IndieWire that the sequel “centres on a young boy who wants to find a doctor to help his dying mother.”
“He leads his mother through this beautiful northern English terrain, but of course, around them hiding in forests and hills and woods are the infected. He finds a doctor who is a man we might think is going to be weird and odd, but actually is a force for good.”

In the first film, 28 Days Later, the story centres around the outbreak of the deadly rage virus, with the outbreak leaving London completely deserted. After waking from a coma 28 days after the outbreak, bicycle courier Jim, played by Cillian Murphy, begins his hunt for survivors as he attempts to escape the zombie-like victims of the virus.
The franchise’s second film, 28 Weeks Later, follows on from the first film and as the virus continues to spread, those who have not yet been infected seek to establish safe zones away from London however, after being relocated across the English Channel, the film concludes with the virus now being spread throughout Europe.
Where to watch 28 Days Later
Unfortunately for fans of the original film, 28 Days Later is unavailable to stream on any streaming platform. In good news, the second film in the franchise, 28 Weeks Later, is now available to stream on Disney+.
Stream 28 Weeks Later on Disney+ from $13.99/month. Subscribe here.
