28 Years Later: The Return of Danny Boyle’s Groundbreaking Horror Franchise

Introduction: A Long-Awaited Return to the Infected World

Academy Award-winning director Danny Boyle and Academy Award-nominated writer Alex Garland reunite for 28 Years Later, a terrifying new “auteur horror” story set in the world created by 28 Days Later. The film represents a significant milestone in horror cinema, bringing audiences back to a post-apocalyptic Britain nearly three decades after the rage virus devastated civilisation. Released in June 2025, this highly anticipated sequel has reignited interest in one of the most influential zombie franchises of the 21st century, proving that the story of survival amidst infection still resonates powerfully with contemporary audiences.

Box Office Performance and Critical Reception

28 Years Later opened to $30 million in June, one of the top openings for a horror movie in a year flooded with them. The movie went onto to gross $70.4M domestic and $151.3M worldwide, easily the highest-grossing in the franchise that began in 2002. Despite the reported budget of 28 Years Later is $60 million in and of itself. While its exact break-even point is unknown, movies often have to earn back two and a half times their budgets in order to turn a profit in theaters, the film’s commercial success has validated Sony’s investment in reviving the beloved franchise.

The film stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes, with the story set almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway.

A New Trilogy Takes Shape

The success of 28 Years Later has paved the way for an expanded cinematic universe. Sony is proceeding with a third 28 Years Later movie following the electric fan reaction from recent screenings of the second film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, directed by Nia DaCosta. That pic comes out over MLK weekend, on January 16, 2026. Even more exciting for fans, the buzz is that 28 Days Later star Cillian Murphy, who reprises his role in The Bone Temple, is in talks, and franchise scribe Alex Garland is currently writing part 3.

Significance for Horror Cinema and Audiences

The film’s release demonstrates the enduring appetite for intelligent, character-driven horror that tackles themes of survival, humanity, and societal collapse. Sony shot the first two movies back-to-back with Danny Boyle returning to direct the first, and Candyman filmmaker DaCosta helming the second. Boyle has said in interviews he’d like to helm the third 28 Years Later, and it’s hopeful he’ll return. This approach represents a bold bet on quality horror filmmaking in an era dominated by franchise extensions and reboots.

As audiences await the next instalment, 28 Years Later stands as a testament to the power of reuniting visionary filmmakers with the material that made them icons. The franchise’s ability to evolve whilst maintaining its core identity offers hope that thoughtful, atmospheric horror can thrive at the box office, setting the stage for what promises to be a compelling trilogy conclusion.