28 Years Later: Release date, plot, cast and more about the Cilian Murphy movie

28 Years Later... literally! Almost three decades after the rage virus destroyed Great Britain in 28 Days Later, the franchise that redefined horror is returning. While 28 Months Later remained just a lost rumor in the apocalypse, the new film jumps directly into the future.

28 Years Later is set to hit theaters on June 20, 2025. Cillian Murphy will reprise the role that made him famous, joined by Jodie Comer and Ralph Fiennes. Danny Boyle, who directed the original, is back in charge.

The movie was shot on smartphones (yes, iPhones 15!). This was a creative and awesome choice, and the movie will probably have a real-feeling look, making the zombie apocalypse feel more raw and immediate.

The plot? Following the stories of 28 Days Later and 28 Months Later, this film promises to explore how people survive in a world destroyed by a deadly outbreak. Think about decades of destruction, where the real danger might be not the infected, but the survivors. Does it get any better? Spoiler: it only gets more desperate.

When is 28 Years Later coming out?

28 Years Later is set to hit theaters on June 20, 2025—unless the apocalypse arrives first. This will be the day when the infected will be back on the big screens. Fans have been waiting for this since the release of 28 Weeks Later in 2007.

Now, 28 years later, we will finally be able to see how it... ends? With Danny Boyle and Alex Garland back in charge, the franchise is finally ready to continue its story and push boundaries once again.

With a mid-2025 release, it also points to confidence in the film's appeal as a summer blockbuster. If enthusiasm is an indicator, 28 Years Later has the potential to be one of the big cinematic events of the year.

What is the plot of 28 Years Later?

The franchise never settled for "run or be devoured" clichés. Now, humanity is facing the long-term effects of the global collapse that happened when the rage virus devastated Great Britain.

The focus is more on the challenges of living in a world where chaos is the only constant than immediate survival. Well, maybe. Because rumors suggest the story will follow a young survivor and his sick mother as they navigate dangerous territory in search of medical help.

It has also been speculated that they might encounter new virus mutations—and thus the infected would be even more terrifying and unpredictable. The new film promises unforgettable performances that explore the psychological and emotional dimensions of living on the brink of extinction.

Who is in the cast of this new film?

Cillian Murphy returns as Jim—his iconic role from 28 Days Later. He joins Jodie Comer and Ralph Fiennes—who need no introduction, right? Two new additions to the cast are Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Jack O'Connell—known for their powerful performances.

The details about their characters are still secret; however, with such a talented cast, we can expect a level of dramatic performance perfectly aligned with the series' tone.

Is there a trailer?

An official teaser trailer for 28 Years Later has been released—we can also revisit 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later to remember the details of this apocalyptic world—something not easy to forget, even 28 years later.

Why does 28 Years Later matter that much?

With 28 Days Later (2002), we saw a revolution in the horror genre that challenged us to rethink the zombie apocalypse. Five years after that, 28 Weeks Later came to explore the failures and complexities of rebuilding society after such a huge global catastrophe.

Now, the movie arrives when the real world has faced a global pandemic, making its themes of survival, collective trauma, and resilience more relevant than ever. Combining technological innovation with the raw aesthetic that defined the original, this film comes with promises of a visceral and immersive experience.

Moreover, the decision to use iPhones as the primary filming tool is a tribute to the franchise's origins, which always prioritized simplicity and impact over conventional filmmaking methods—reminding us that, even in an era of technological advances, the essence of cinema remains in powerful storytelling.

Conclusion: The apocalypse evolves, as does cinema

With the return of its creators, an impressive cast, and a new approach to storytelling, 28 Years Later is set to once more redefine the apocalyptic narrative.

So, is the 2025 apocalypse already on your must-watch list?