A fresh sequel is in the works for the modern horror classic 28 Days Later, 22 years since it first introduced a zombie epidemic. There’s even talk of turning it into a trilogy of sequels. The sequel, 28 Years Later, will be directed and written by the same masterminds behind the first movie, Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, respectively. Let’s take a look at what we know so far.
28 Years Later in Development More Than Two Decades Later
According to The Hollywood Reporter exclusive, it is anticipated that the sequel will be available for consideration by studios, streamers, and other potential buyers later this week. WME, representing Boyle and Garland, will be responsible for presenting the package and managing the sale. This isn’t just an ordinary modern sequel; there was already a follow-up with 28 Weeks Later in 2007, where the duo served as executive producers. The current aspiration is to kick off a brand-new trilogy.
The initial installment will be directed by Danny Boyle, featuring a script crafted by Alex Garland. Garland, in turn, will be responsible for writing the scripts for each of the three planned movies in the series. Serving as producers are Boyle, Garland, Andrew Macdonald, and Peter Rice.
Following the original, a sequel titled 28 Weeks Later hit theaters in 2007, with Boyle and Garland involved solely as executive producers. Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, the horror film saw a slightly increased production budget of $15 million and achieved a successful global gross of $65 million. The new project is aiming for a production budget of approximately $75 million, marking a significant increase from the modest beginnings of the franchise.
Variety reported “Every time I do bump into Danny or Alex I always mention it,” Cillian Murphy, the main actor in the first installment, said. “I showed it to my kids recently — some Halloween about four or five years ago — and they loved it. It really stands up, which is amazing for a film that’s 20 years old. So yeah, I love the idea and it’s very appealing to me.”
It’s very possible that we will see some of the original cast in this new trilogy. Hopefully, for fans, this will become a reality.
What is 28 Days Later?
The “rage virus,” a highly contagious and aggression-inducing virus, is unleashed in Great Britain when an infected chimpanzee is released by animal rights activists in a Cambridge laboratory. Within moments, one of the activists succumbs to the virus, triggering a rapid spread that leads to a societal collapse.
Twenty-eight days after the initial outbreak, Jim, a bicycle courier who had been in a coma before the epidemic, wakes up in an abandoned St Thomas’ Hospital in London, witnessing the aftermath of a catastrophic event. Roaming the deserted streets and seeking shelter in a church, Jim encounters infected humans and is rescued by survivors Selena and Mark. They take Jim to their refuge in a streetside store.
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