The long-awaited sequel to complete the from director Danny Boyle. The infected zombie movie took the world by storm when it was released in 2002 with its tense script from Alex Garland, frightening visuals, and proper reintroduction of fast zombies. Set 28 days after a highly infectious viral outbreak, Jim (Cillian Murphy) wakes from a coma to find London in ruin and teeming with rabid people. Saved by Selena (Naomie Harris), the two partner with a father and daughter and venture off to find the source of a mysterious radio broadcast.
After a successful run at the theater, garnering $82.7 million against its $8 million budget, a sequel, 28 Weeks Later, was green-lit and released in 2007. The sequel also did well, with critics and audiences spurning talks about a possible third film in the franchise titled 28 Months Later. Unfortunately, after years of discussions, the movie's development has not gained any traction. In 2018, Garland itted that he has little hope for another 28 Days Later film. However, last year, Murphy stated that he is open to reprising his role for a sequel if the opportunity presents itself.
In a recent interview with NME, Boyle gave a promidate regarding another 28 Days Later sequel. The director revealed that Garland wrote a 28 Months Later script with "a lovely idea" driving the narrative and said he would consider directing it. Read more of what Boyle said about the script and the timing of the third film below:
“I’d be very tempted [to direct it]. It feels like a very good time actually. It’s funny, I hadn’t thought about it until you just said it, and I ed ‘Bang, this script!’ which is again set in England, very much about England. Anyway, we’ll see… who knows?
“It might come back into focus because one of the things that’s happening in the business at the moment is it has to be a big reason for you to go to the cinema, because there are less and less reasons. It’s hard for companies distributing films and for cinema chains to show films, they’re struggling to get people into the cinema unless it’s something like Top Gun: Maverick or a Marvel. But a third part would get people in, if it was half-decent.”
What Could 28 Months Later Be About?
As the name implies, 28 Months Later would take place nearly two and half years following the initial outbreak. With Great Britain essentially destroyed and the infection finally spreading to mainland Europe through the Channel Tunnel at the end of 28 Weeks Later, the sequel would show how the rest of Europe and the world handled the virus after having months to prepare for an invasion. As Boyle explained, Garland's script would bring the story back to England, indicating that 28 Months Later would likely show the results of Europe's defense and how part of the country had re-established itself.
However, if Murphy wants to be involved in the sequel, the film would likely need to take place well after the 28-month mark as the actor has aged 20 years since the original film's release. To keep with the naming convention, a movie taking place 28 years later would allow Murphy to return but also give Garland and Boyle more room to play with the long-term ramifications of the virus and how the British government implemented safeguards so such an outbreak wouldn't occur again. Unfortunately, audiences will have to wait much longer for an official announcement regarding the 28 Days Later sequel as the film has yet to be greenlit.
Source: NME
