The long-awaited third installment of the 28 Days Later franchise, 28 Years Later, directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, is officially on the horizon. Set for release on June 20, 2025, the film’s chilling first trailer has fans buzzing. However, as excitement builds for this new chapter, the original 2002 cult classic 28 Days Later is finally returning to digital platforms after years of being virtually unavailable.
Table of Contents
- A Stunning Return to the Zombie Genre
- Cillian Murphy Cameo Rumors Debunked
- The Long-Awaited Digital Revival of 28 Days Later
- A Legacy That Endures
A Stunning Return to the Zombie Genre
The trailer for 28 Years Later showcases the post-apocalyptic world 28 years after the outbreak of the Rage Virus, continuing the story established by 28 Days Later and its 2007 sequel 28 Weeks Later. Fans and critics alike are calling the trailer one of the most unsettling previews of the year, promising another milestone in the zombie genre. While Boyle and Garland were not involved in 28 Weeks Later, their return is being heralded as a reunion worth the wait.
With a reported budget of £75 million, 28 Years Later has significantly expanded beyond the modest £8 million budget of the original, signaling a high-stakes production filled with tension and terror.
Cillian Murphy Cameo Rumors Debunked
One of the most intriguing moments in the trailer sparked speculation that 28 Days Later star and recent Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer) was making an unexpected return. Fans thought they spotted Murphy in a scene featuring a group of propped-up, emaciated zombies, with one bearing a striking resemblance to his character, Jim.
However, it has since been confirmed that the “Emaciated Infected” is played by Angus Neill, a newcomer to the franchise. Neill, a model and art dealer, was personally selected by Boyle for his distinct look. “Danny told me he’d always had me in mind for the role,” Neill revealed in a recent interview. While Murphy is not part of the cast, he is credited as an executive producer for the film, leaving fans with a bittersweet connection to the series’ roots.
The Long-Awaited Digital Revival of 28 Days Later
While anticipation for 28 Years Later grows, fans of the franchise have faced a frustrating challenge: 28 Days Later has been nearly impossible to watch legally in recent years. The film, which revolutionized the zombie genre with its gritty realism and kinetic energy, has not been available on streaming platforms or for digital purchase. Physical copies are scarce, leaving piracy or secondhand purchases as the only options.
That’s finally changing. Sony has announced that 28 Days Later will soon be available digitally. While no release date has been provided, the studio has launched a sign-up page for fans to receive updates and preorder the film. This unusual marketing approach—allowing fans to “preorder” a digital release—has raised eyebrows but offers hope for a long-overdue re-release of the classic.
The unavailability of 28 Days Later stemmed from a complex web of rights issues. Disney, which owns the sequel 28 Weeks Later through its subsidiary Searchlight, does not hold the rights to the original film, which remain with Sony. For years, Sony failed to broker a deal with streaming services, allowing the movie to slip into digital limbo. The decision to bring it back, even as a paid digital offering, is a welcome move for fans eager to revisit the groundbreaking classic.
A Legacy That Endures
28 Days Later’s disappearance from digital platforms highlighted a growing concern about the fragility of media in the streaming age, where even critically acclaimed films can vanish without notice. Its reemergence, coinciding with the release of 28 Years Later, ensures that both longtime fans and newcomers will have the opportunity to experience the origin of the franchise.
With 28 Years Later poised to deliver another unforgettable entry in the zombie saga and 28 Days Later making its long-awaited return, 2025 promises to be a landmark year for the franchise—and for fans of post-apocalyptic horror.
A passionate content creator specializing in viral trends, fashion, beauty, and news. With a keen eye for the latest in style and pop culture, Dilshan Senarath delivers fresh, engaging insights that keep audiences informed and inspired. Expertise in curating viral stories with style and impact.
