28 Years Later: The Return of Britain’s Most Terrifying Zombie Saga

The Long-Awaited Return to a Post-Apocalyptic Britain

28 Years Later is a 2025 post-apocalyptic coming-of-age horror film produced and directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, starring Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams and Ralph Fiennes. The film marks a significant return to the franchise that redefined zombie horror in the early 2000s, bringing back the creative team behind the groundbreaking original.

The film tells the story of a boy living in a post-apocalyptic world who undertakes a hazardous journey with his ill mother in an effort to obtain medical treatment for her. Set nearly three decades after the rage virus outbreak, the narrative explores how survivors have adapted to life in a quarantined Britain.

Box Office Success and Critical Reception

It was released in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada by Sony Pictures Releasing on 20 June 2025. The film’s commercial performance exceeded expectations. 28 Years Later grossed $70.4 million in the United States and Canada, and $80.8 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $151.3 million. This makes it the highest-grossing instalment in the entire franchise.

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 89% of 393 critics’ reviews are positive. Critics praised the film’s innovative approach, though some found its tone challenging. The Independent’s Clarisse Loughrey described 28 Years Later as “a post-Brexit, COVID-19-conscious take on this world”, highlighting the film’s contemporary relevance.

A Trilogy Takes Shape

The franchise’s future looks bright. A third “28 Years Later” movie is moving forward at Sony following positive fan reactions to early screenings of the trilogy’s second installment, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.” The second film, directed by Nia DaCosta, is scheduled for release on 16 January 2026.

Series screenwriter Alex Garland is writing the script for the film and Cillian Murphy is in talks to reprise his role as protagonist Jim from “28 Days Later” and “The Bone Temple.” Murphy’s return would reunite the original team and bring the franchise full circle, with the Oscar-winning actor finally reprising his iconic role.

Conclusion: A Franchise Reborn for Modern Audiences

28 Years Later represents more than just a nostalgic return to a beloved franchise. It demonstrates that intelligent horror cinema can still captivate audiences while addressing contemporary anxieties. With the trilogy now confirmed, fans can look forward to a complete narrative arc that promises to explore the long-term consequences of a society forever changed by catastrophe. The film’s success proves that the rage virus still has the power to terrify and engage audiences worldwide.