- 28 Years Later is one of 2025’s most anticipated movies
- Original film director Danny Boyle returns for a new story
- Movie screenwriter Alex Garland reveals an unlikely inspiration
28 Years Later will return viewers to a desperate vision of Britain. One that has been long-ravaged by an out-of-control virus that transforms people into mindless rage zombies.
Its first trailer grabbed the attention of viewers across the world. Its stark imagery of humanity’s dregs forced to figure out how to survive on a secluded island cut off from mainland Britain showed us exactly what years of disaster can have on a nation.
Audiences responded, making it the most–watched trailer of 2024 and the second most-watched horror trailer of all time, behind It: Chapter Two.
Read more: Was 28 Years Later shot on an iPhone?
Now, the film’s screenwriter Alex Garland has revealed a real-life event that played a big part in formulating his story decisions.
Speaking to Empire, Garland explained that he recalled his memories of Brexit when sitting down to write 28 Years Later. Specifically, the writer says he took inspiration from the ways in which other countries turned their back on the country after the decision was made.
Read more: Who will direct 28 Years Later Part 3?
“Covid was not on my mind because it was too recent and too present, but Brexit was,” said Garland, explaining how the pandemic played a less prominent role in his writing process.
He added that Brexit signalled “a sense of the globe just sort of shifting its position…
“Turning their backs, not really looking in this direction. Not really giving a s— [about the UK].”
What is 28 Years Later about?
28 Years Later is a follow-up to Boyle’s 2002 British horror 28 Days Later. A sequel, 28 Weeks Later, was released in 2007 but Boyle decided not to direct. This new instalment will mark Boyle’s long-awaited return to the franchise alongside original movie screenwriter Garland.
While plot details are sparse, we know a few details about what we can expect from 28 Years Later. The film picks up years after the events of the first movie and will find a group of survivors living on a remote outpost that’s cut off from the infected mainland by a bridge.
The bridge is only available during periods of low tide which adds an extra layer of security for its inhabitants.
It’s here where we meet Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), Isla (Jodie Comer) and their young son Spike (Alfie Williams). When the time comes for Alfie to experience the harsh realities of the mainland, the trio embark on a rites-of-passage journey – one that doesn’t go quite to plan.
Will there be a sequel to 28 Years Later?
Yes, a sequel entitled 28 Years Later Part 2: The Bone Temple was filmed back-to-back with Boyle’s new instalment. The follow-up will be directed by American director Nia DaCosta, the filmmaker behind The Marvels and 2021’s Candyman remake.
At this stage, plot details for 28 Years Later Part 2 are unclear. We’ll likely have to wait for Boyle’s film to be released to gain any real idea of what might happen in its follow-up.
A third film is also in the works. While this is currently without a title, Empire suggested that this final story will also be directed by Boyle.
