The landscape of modern zombie films owes a significant debt to the groundbreaking 28 Days Later (2002), a film that redefined the genre with its unique take on the apocalypse (and is known for the popularization of ‘fast’ zombies). Now, the brains behind this iconic movie, director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland, are set to revive the terrifying world they created with a new installment, 28 Years Later. This exciting development comes with the news that Sony has successfully acquired the project, stepping ahead in a fiercely competitive race, as originally reported by The Hollywood Reporter
In an intriguing twist, Cillian Murphy, the lead of the original film, renowned for his recent role in Oppenheimer (and in Oscar contention), is not only considering a return to his character Jim but is also on board as an executive producer for the sequel. Despite Jim‘s survival in the original narrative, the character’s fate in several DVD-exclusive alternate endings—where he doesn’t make it—adds a layer of speculative fun about his potential involvement in the sequel.
The original 28 Days Later was a pivotal moment for Danny Boyle, Alex Garland, and Cillian Murphy, catapulting them into new heights of their careers. The film’s innovative approach and compelling storytelling not only garnered a cult following but also established the trio as significant figures in the industry.
Interestingly, while initial discussions hinted at a trilogy all penned by Garland, the current conversation focuses solely on the sequel, leaving the future open-ended and ripe for speculation. As 28 Years Later secures a budget in the vicinity of $70 million, anticipation builds on how this new chapter will unfold and whether it will introduce a fresh direction under a new director.
This resurgence of 28 Days Later‘s universe is not just a nod to the past but a promising venture into what the future of zombie cinema might hold. As more details are expected to emerge, particularly when Garland begins press rounds for Civil War, the excitement among the horror film community is palpable. With Boyle and Garland at the helm, and the potential return of Murphy, 28 Years Later is poised to be a significant addition to the horror genre.
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