28 Years Later Trilogy Explained: A Bold New Zombie Saga Coming in 2026

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28 Years Later, due for release on June 20, is my eagerly anticipated follow-up to Danny Boyle’s iconic zombie horror, 28 Days Later. This sequel unfolds several decades after the original film, delving into the journey of a band of quarantined survivors as they unearth startling revelations about the twisted world they inhabit. Unlike its predecessor, 28 Years Later is shaping up to offer a fresh perspective, introducing intriguing layers that promise to take this movie to even greater heights.

Fortunately, the sequel kick-starts an eagerly awaited trilogy due for release in the coming years. During a unique screening in NYC of the first 28 minutes from 28 Years Later, organized by ScreenRant‘s Liam Crowley, supported by Sony Pictures and Regal Cinemas, director Boyle shared some exclusive insights on how this sequel will align with the rest of the trilogy. Although there are many thrilling enigmas to maintain viewer engagement, his remarks provide a fresh angle on what these films can expect.

Danny Boyle Sheds Light On The New 28 Years Later Trilogy‘s Structure

The Movies Aren’t Necessarily Direct Continuations

From a movie enthusiast’s perspective, it’s intriguing to note that Danny Boyle hinted at something less conventional for the sequels of the 28 Years Later trilogy. Unlike traditionally connected stories, these upcoming films seem to be exploring a more open-ended and experimental approach. The first installment, Nia DaCosta’s The Bone Collector, is slated for release in 2026, while the third one remains undecided. However, it seems that the overall narrative has been sketched out already according to Boyle’s revelations.

Regardless of whether your films are hits or misses, over time they naturally become less prominent, as is their nature. They may linger in people’s minds or be quickly forgotten; sometimes they’re remembered fondly, other times not at all. Occasionally, though, one film seems to strike a chord with audiences, and the first one of mine seemed to do just that. People would organize screenings, and often they’d invite me for question-and-answer sessions afterwards. I’d attend these Q&As, and the audience would be quite passionate as they watched the film.

Alex Garland and I initially discussed whether we should expand on our initial concept, questioning if we should include more elements in it. Our original idea was somewhat predictable, as it involved a “weaponize the virus” sequel where a government, agency, or military uses the virus for malicious purposes. However, neither of us were keen on this approach. Instead, he began to share ideas for a much larger, more complex story.

The story spans across three movies, yet each movie can be watched individually. However, there’s a larger narrative at play, which revolves around a family, and Aaron and Jodie would be the foundation of this family. So, while it’s separate from the first film, it still takes place in the same apocalypse that Cillian Murphy and Naomie Harris experienced 28 years ago. But, as for Jim and Selena, we don’t know their fate yet. I can’t reveal what happens to them, but Aaron and Jodie are more than capable of carrying on the story.

One intriguing aspect of this concept lies in the fact that although the characters from “28 Years Later” are undoubtedly significant, it appears as though director Boyle is positioning the post-apocalyptic world as the primary focus of the trilogy. The independent nature of each film suggests a narrative structure reminiscent of an anthology, opening up a vast array of possibilities for this franchise. It’s not often that a series chooses to grow in such a manner, opting instead to rehash the same characters and stories repeatedly with other properties.

28 Years Later, while being a standalone tale, retains connections to the original film. This is reinforced by Boyle’s reference to characters like Murphy and Harris, suggesting that there might be nods to the past, yet the movie is expected to largely function independently. The high level of ambition shown in this project is promising, hinting at potential success in their ambitious storytelling endeavor.

Boyle & Garland’s Plan Makes This Trilogy Even More Intriguing

The Second Movie Has Already Been Shot

In an exciting twist, Boyle and Garland’s unconventional approach to “28 Years Later” is particularly captivating. Unlike traditional trilogies that can be thrilling in their own right, this one breaks free from the overused formula of legacy sequels. Instead, each film maintains its individual integrity, allowing viewers to appreciate them without necessarily watching all three for a comprehensive understanding of the storyline. Boyle’s remarks hint at the grand scale and complexity of “28 Years Later”, suggesting that it’s a challenging, ambitious project that neither director opted to tackle with ease.

Boyle confessed at the NYC screening that their initial idea was somewhat predictable, referencing the notion of the virus being weaponized. However, they soon discovered that it wasn’t captivating enough to carry an entire new trilogy. Instead, they chose a “much larger story,” making it clear that “28 Years Later” is born out of genuine enthusiasm for this narrative rather than a mere money-making scheme.

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2025-06-02 20:08