Prepare for a resurgence of undead terror as director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland join forces once again for the long-anticipated sequel to the 2002 horror classic, “28 Days Later.” Titled “28 Years Later,” the hotly contested sequel package has found its home at Sony, signaling the potential launch of a thrilling zombie trilogy. This cinematic resurrection also brings back actor Cillian Murphy to the franchise, offering fans the prospect of a nostalgic return to his breakout role.
Director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland, the creative minds behind the original “28 Days Later,” have rekindled their partnership to craft a sequel that promises to be as chilling and intense as its predecessor. With a potential trilogy in the works, Garland takes the reins for the second installment, while Boyle helms the first. Cillian Murphy, synonymous with the franchise’s success, not only returns as an executive producer but may also reprise his iconic role, though details remain under wraps.
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After nearly three weeks of intense negotiations and bidding wars, Sony emerged victorious in securing the rights to the sequel package. The return of Boyle and Garland to lead the project generated immense interest from Hollywood studios and streamers alike, drawing comparisons to George Miller’s return to “Mad Max” with the acclaimed “Fury Road.”
Sony, armed with a unique advantage in the form of a longstanding relationship between studio head Tom Rothman and Danny Boyle, clinched the deal. Rothman’s more than 30-year association with Boyle, dating back to the founding of Fox Searchlight, played a pivotal role in sealing the agreement. The bid emphasized the filmmakers’ commitment to a theatrical release, highlighting their dedication to delivering a cinematic experience.
Original producer Andrew Macdonald, Peter Rice, former head of Fox Searchlight Pictures, and Bernie Bellew join Boyle and Garland as producers for the “28 Years Later” saga. With a combined vision and experience, the team aims to recreate the success of the first film and build upon the legacy of the groundbreaking zombie genre revitalization.
“28 Days Later,” released more than two decades ago, revitalized the zombie genre and set the stage for subsequent titles like “The Walking Dead,” “World War Z,” and “Zombieland.” The original film, grossing $82.7 million globally, followed the story of Jim (Cillian Murphy) awakening in a hospital to discover a world overrun by the undead. Despite nominal involvement in the 2007 sequel, Boyle and Garland have long expressed their desire to revisit the franchise.
Originally discussed as “28 Months Later,” the concept evolved into “28 Years Later.” The passage of time has allowed the filmmakers to explore new angles and complexities within the zombie-infested world, providing a fresh perspective for fans and newcomers alike.
As “28 Years Later” gears up for production, fans of the zombie genre can anticipate a thrilling return to the world Boyle and Garland first brought to life over two decades ago. With Cillian Murphy’s potential return and a dynamic creative team at the helm, the sequel saga promises to be a captivating addition to the horror genre, redefining undead storytelling for a new era. Stay tuned for the resurrection of the “28 Days Later” legacy in theaters soon.