Sony Pictures is gearing up to revive the iconic 28 Days Later franchise with a fresh trilogy, kickstarting with a sequel, 28 Years Later, helmed by the original’s visionary, Danny Boyle. Nia DaCosta, known for her work on The Marvels and Candyman, is reportedly in discussions to direct the trilogy’s second instalment, as per Deadline.
The project marks a significant return for Boyle, who will direct the sequel to his 2002 hit, working alongside Alex Garland, the original film’s writer. This collaboration aims to expand the post-apocalyptic saga into a new trilogy, bringing back the terrifying world where a virus wreaks havoc across the UK.
The trilogy’s progression seems to be on a fast track, with 28 Years Later slated for production later in 2024 and Sony swiftly moving to secure DaCosta for the sequel, aiming to maintain momentum across the trilogy. Garland, whose dystopian film Civil War is in theatres now, will pen the script for all three films, replicating his role from the 2002 original.
As the second film takes shape, Boyle and Garland will produce, alongside Andrew Macdonald, Peter Rice, and Bernie Bellew. Interestingly, 28 Days Later star Cillian Murphy is attached as an executive producer, though his on-screen return is yet to be confirmed.
While plot details for 28 Years Later and its sequels are tightly guarded, the original film featured Murphy in a breakout role as Jim, navigating a zombie-infested London post-virus outbreak. The narrative, rich with survival and societal breakdown themes, offered a fresh take on the zombie genre, followed by the sequel 28 Weeks Later, albeit without Murphy.
DaCosta, with her experience directing The Marvels and the critically acclaimed Candyman, brings a seasoned perspective to the trilogy. Despite mixed reviews for The Marvels, Candyman demonstrated her ability to rejuvenate horror franchises, a skill she’ll likely apply to the 28 Years Later series.
Her next project, Hedda, a drama inspired by the 19th-century play Hedda Gabler, features an impressive cast including Tessa Thompson (Thor: Ragnarok) and Imogen Poots (28 Weeks Later). As anticipation builds for the 28 Years Later trilogy, fans eagerly await more details on its direction under the stewardship of Boyle, Garland, and potentially DaCosta. No release date for the trilogy has been announced yet, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats for what promises to be a thrilling continuation of a beloved horror saga.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing Honkai: Star Rail, cosplaying, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
