Highly Anticipated 28 Days Later Sequel Was Secretly Shot on an iPhone

Highly Anticipated 28 Days Later Sequel Was Secretly Shot on an iPhone

As a gamer who’s been around the block a few times and has seen my fair share of tech-driven filmmaking innovations, I must say that the news about 28 Years Later being filmed on an iPhone 15 Pro Max piques my interest. It’s not every day we see a sequel to one of my favorite horror franchises embracing the unexpected, just like its predecessor did with the Canon XL-1 back in 2002.


For enthusiasts of the movie “28 Days Later“, there’s plenty to look forward to with the upcoming sequel, “28 Years Later”. Not only have fans of Danny Boyle’s original horror film been eagerly awaiting a third installment in this popular franchise, but now there are not just two, but three reasons to be excited. As reported by Wired, “28 Years Later” was shot using an iPhone 15 Pro Max, mirroring the unconventional and innovative approach of its predecessor, “28 Days Later”, which was also filmed on unexpected technology.

As per the report, the movie – completed in August – was shot using an iPhone, complemented by additional equipment such as a cage with lens adapter for switching lenses during filming. Since the production occurred prior to the release of the iPhone 16 series, the filming was done on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The crew involved were requested to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) to preserve the secret about the use of the iPhone in the filming process. [Source: Wired]

One intriguing aspect of this production is that 28 Years Later being filmed with an iPhone isn’t a groundbreaking move for the franchise, as earlier films like 28 Days Later (2002) employed unconventional technology. In fact, Danny Boyle and cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle opted to use a Canon XL-1, a digital camcorder that was quite advanced for its time (debuting in 1998). This camera stood out with interchangeable lenses and the ability to record onto MiniDV tapes. Employing the Canon XL-1 for 28 Days Later not only seemed economical but also allowed for greater flexibility during filming, as the compact size of the camera made it easier to maneuver in London locations where traffic and pedestrians were minimal. Moreover, this choice contributed to the film’s distinctive aesthetic, capturing a gritty, realistic feel that mirrored the depiction of a real-world zombie apocalypse, as the technology used was somewhat accessible to consumers at the time.

28 Years Later’s plot remains unclear, but filming it with an iPhone could provide a realistic feel. Given that the movie is set 28 years after the first one, the footage from a smartphone (equipped with superior lenses) might seem more fitting for our current world. Although it’s debatable whether phone and camera technology in a Rage virus-affected world would develop identically to ours, it’s plausible.

Remarkably, 28 years after its release, this upcoming film will hold the title of being the largest ever produced using a smartphone. However, it won’t be the first; films like Stephen Soderbergh’s “Unsane” and “High Flying Bird”, as well as Sean Baker’s “Tangerine”, have already been filmed on iPhones.

The upcoming movie titled “28 Years Later” featuring Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes is scheduled for a theater release on June 20, 2025.

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2024-09-20 06:39