Over two decades after 28 Days Later redefined zombie horror, director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland return to their virus-ravaged world with 28 Years Later—the first in a newly planned trilogy. The $60 million sequel sees the Rage Virus still festering on British soil, while the rest of the world has moved on. Opening in theaters today, the film explores not just the ongoing fight for survival, but also the evolution of both the virus and humanity.
Set on the remote Holy Island off England’s northeast coast, 28 Years Later centers on 12-year-old Spike (Alfie Williams). who has never known a world beyond the fortified pathway linking his small community to the quarantined mainland. On his birthday, his father Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) takes him across the water for a harrowing rite of passage—only to find that the infected have evolved. Some crawl; others, now dubbed Alphas, lead organized hunting packs.
The film also stars Jodie Comer as Isla, a housebound mother. “There are moments that feel incredibly heightened—you’re out of breath, facing elements of hysteria—but it’s brilliant,” Comer told the BBC, describing the intensity of filming without CGI.
While 28 Years Later doesn’t revisit the immunity storyline from 28 Weeks Later, it does mark the beginning of a new arc that will stretch across two more films. Garland has already penned the second installment, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which is directed by Nia DaCosta (Candyman) and due next year. Boyle, who hopes to return for the trilogy’s conclusion, confirmed to Collider that Cillian Murphy’s Jim—last seen alive in 28 Days Later—will appear in the second and play a major role in the third.
Is 28 Years Later streaming yet?
Not yet. The film is currently playing in theaters, with a streaming release date to be announced. Given Sony’s distribution history, the title is likely to become available via digital purchase first, followed by streaming on one of its affiliated platforms—though no official plan has been confirmed.
In the meantime, you can revisit the earlier films in the franchise: 28 Days Later is now available to stream on Pluto TV, and 28 Weeks Later is on Hulu and Tubi.
