One of the most popular horror movie franchises is about to return with a new film this year. The 28 Days Later film series will release its third installment in theaters this summer. The movie's title is 28 Years Later, and it is just the first of a new trilogy of sequels.
The 28 Years Later trilogy is a trio of upcoming post-apocalyptic horror films. It will start with the movie 28 Years Later, which is slated to be released in theaters by Sony Pictures Releasing on June 20, 2025. Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, who worked together on the first movie in the 28 Days Later film series, 28 Days Later (2002), returns. Boyle directed the new film, while Garland wrote the script.
Nearly three decades have passed since the Rage Virus outbreak, and some of the remaining survivors have found a way to live among the infected. One group resides on a small island. They're a pretty tight community, and in order to keep their survival rate high, they enforce strict laws that mustn't be broken. One member of the close-knit community decides to leave the island, and on his journey, he uncovers the terrifying horrors of the outside world. This is the plot for 28 Years Later.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O'Connell, Erin Kellyman, Alfie Williams, and Edvin Ryding are just some of the talented actors who make up the cast.
The second film in the trilogy, which was filmed back-to-back with the first, is called 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Nia DaCosta (The Marvels, Candyman) took over directing duties from Boyle, but Garland returned to write the script. Taylor-Johnson is the only confirmed actor so far to be in the sequel's cast. Cillian Murphy, who played Jim in 28 Days Later, is rumored to possibly appear in the film.
In addition, Sony Pictures Releasing will release this movie in theaters on Jan. 16, 2026. Unfortunately, plot details are being kept under wraps, but the story is expected to continue where the first film leaves off. We discovered all this information some time ago, but now we’ve uncovered new details about the 28 Years Later trilogy. Here’s what we know.
1. Cillian Murphy will not make an appearance in 28 Years Later
While it had already been confirmed that Cillian Murphy would be an executive producer on the trilogy, people still hoped he'd reprise his role as Jim in the first film. Their hopes skyrocketed after the official trailer dropped in December 2024. Many people thought they had spotted a zombified Jim in the trailer, but this turned out not to be true when an art dealer confirmed that it was him in the clip instead of Murphy.
28 Years Later producer Andrew Macdonald spoke with Deadline and said that while Murphy was eager to participate in the film beyond his role as an executive producer, it ultimately didn’t come to fruition. However, he remains hopeful about Murphy appearing in one of the trilogy’s upcoming sequels. Hmm. Maybe that rumor about Murphy possibly appearing in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple could be true then.
2. New character details for 28 Years Later
Although 28 Years Later will explore multiple character storylines, the film primarily focuses on a family of three: Jamie, Isla, and their 12-year-old son, Spike. Taylor-Johnson plays Jamie, Comer as Isla, and Williams as Spike. According to Empire Magazine, Jamie and Spike will leave the island so that he can take Spike on a rite-of-passage trip to show him the devastating impact of the virus spreading across the U.K. I don't know if you watched the thrilling trailer, but things do not go as planned.
3. New details about the setting for 28 Years Later
28 Years Later will reportedly be set on a small island called Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne. It's linked to the UK mainland by a heavily fortified causeway. However, it's unknown whether the second and third sequels in the trilogy will also take place on this island.
4. The rest of the world outside of the U.K. is relatively uninfected by the Rage Virus
The first two movies in the 28 Days Later film series saw residents of the U.K. fight for survival amid a viral outbreak that turned them into zombie-like people. 28 Years Later will continue to focus on the ongoing outbreak in the U.K., where the virus has had the most impact. Meanwhile, other countries around the world have largely remained unaffected. Who knows. This could possibly change in the upcoming second and third sequels of the trilogy.
5. Danny Boyle will direct the third film in the trilogy
We finally know who's going to direct the third and final movie in the 28 Years Later trilogy, and it's none other than Danny Boyle. After directing the first film and then handing over directing duties to Nia DaCosta for the second movie, Boyle will return to the director's chair for the currently untitled third film. Alex Garland will write the script for this movie as well.
According to Empire Magazine, production will not start on this movie until the audience's reaction to the first film is considered. In other words, the third film's development depends on how well the first movie is received by viewers.
Stay tuned to 1428 Elm for any new updates on the 28 Years Later trilogy!