’28 Years Later’: Danny Boyle And Alex Garland Are Talking About A New ’28 Days Later’ Sequel “Quite Seriously, Quite Diligently”

Back in 2019, we started to hear rumblings from Danny Boyle that he was interested in directing a new film in the “28 Days Later” franchise. He kept saying that it was all in the hands of writer Alex Garland, whether or not it happened. Then the pandemic hit and the sequel discussion seemed to have disappeared a bit. However, in a new Inverse profile of the original “28 Days Later,” both Garland and Boyle have expressed renewed interest in a proper sequel to their film, tentatively titled “28 Years Later.” 

READ MORE: Danny Boyle Is “Very Tempted” To Direct A New ’28 Days Later’ Sequel & Says Alex Garland’s Script Features “A Lovely Idea”

Released back in 2002, “28 Days Later,” directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, was a big hit and reignited fan interest in the zombie horror genre. Hell, the premise was basically ripped off when Robert Kirkman created his “The Walking Dead” comic book series a year later. The success of “28 Days Later” led to the release of a sequel, “28 Weeks Later,” which was a modest hit but didn’t receive nearly as much acclaim as the original. Since then, no new films in the franchise have been released, but as mentioned above, there has been discussion of a trilogy-ending third film. And apparently, both Garland and Boyle seem to be excited by the prospect. 

“I resisted it for a long time because there were things about ‘28 Weeks’ that bugged me. I just thought, ‘Fuck that. I’d rather try to write a different story in a different world,’” explained Garland. “But a few years ago an idea materialized in my head for what would be really ‘28 Years Later.’ Danny always liked the idea.”

Boyle added, “So we’re talking about it quite seriously, quite diligently. If he doesn’t want to direct it himself I’ll be well up for it, if we can execute a similarly good idea.”

Obviously, we don’t know what the plot of “28 Years Later” would look like. Judging by the title, it would take place decades after the original film, and you have to assume it’ll be a bit more post-apocalyptic in nature. That said, with folks like Garland and Boyle working on the development, there’s likely something a bit more intelligent than just a rehashed zombie sequel taking place in a post-apocalypse. 

However, it also doesn’t seem like it’s happening for sure yet either. But if you’re a fan of the original film (and of the sequel), this is good news and the most hope we’ve had yet to finally get another film in the franchise.