The newly released trailer for "28 Years Later" has generated a massive buzz on social media, with fans sharing their excitement, nostalgia, and analysis. As the third installment in the 28 Days Later franchise, directed by Danny Boyle and co-written with Alex Garland, anticipation is at an all-time high. Fans have flooded platforms with reactions, revealing their expectations, fears, and hopes for the upcoming post-apocalyptic thriller.
Many users praised the eerie and suspenseful tone of the 28 Years Later trailer, highlighting its chilling soundtrack, unsettling visuals, and overall suspense:
One user noted, "What a trailer! When what passes for rational is irrational and inhuman we're in serious trouble."
Another added, "This is how you make an amazing trailer! The tension continuously building throughout the trailer, with this eerie chant, along with the eerie and unsettling score playing. I'm so excited for 28 Years Later, especially since Danny Boyle and Alex Garland reunited for it."
Fans are impressed by the tone and score, with one saying, "This made me so nervous!!! What's the background music from? It made me so unsettled."
Cillian Murphy's return has been a point of speculation. While some fans are hopeful about his role, others are already expressing disappointment. One user noted, "Is Cillian Murphy not in the trailer? Hope he's not just a cameo."
Another added, "I thought Cillian Murphy would be the lead... it's disappointing and sad."
Despite this uncertainty, enthusiasm for the performances of other stars is high. One user said, "Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes & Jodie Comer are gonna give us phenomenal performances! The designs of the zombies look incredible as they look so scary & so terrifying!"
The 28 Days Later franchise has a special place in horror history, and the trailer brought back memories for many fans. One user noted, "28 Days Later is the first zombie movie I watched over 20 years ago, and that movie let me fall in love with the zombie movies after that. Can’t wait to watch the sequel."
Another expressed a similar sentiment, saying, "Wow! I still remember the sheer intensity of seeing 28 Days Later in the theater. Completely redefined the genre! Can't wait."
Anticipation & long-term hype
The reactions also highlighted how long fans have waited for 28 Years Later to return. One user noted, "Been waiting for this forever." Another shared their enthusiasm, saying, "Pure awesomeness!! Been waiting so long for this!! Thank you for coming back 28 Years Later!!!"
Many are optimistic about the film's potential, with one commenting, "If this lives up to its promise, we’re in for a wild ride. The wait’s gonna be worth it."
Fear & curiosity: Mutations, jump scares, and expectations
The trailer also raised questions about potential twists and zombie evolution. One user said, "This looks great. So, did they evolve to something more evil?"
Fans are also intrigued by the presence of jump scares. One user noted, "This trailer has some jump scares that really take the life out of you."
Another summed up their emotional journey succinctly: "Most excited I’ve been for a film in years."
28 Years Later: Danny Boyle & Alex Garland return with post-apocalyptic thriller
Release date & distribution
The highly anticipated "28 Years Later" is scheduled for release in the United States and Canada on June 20, 2025, distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing. The first trailer debuted on December 10, 2024, featuring a haunting reading of Rudyard Kipling's 1903 poem Boots, narrated by American actor Taylor Holmes.
28 Years Later marks the third installment in the 28 Days Later series, following 28 Days Later (2002) and 28 Weeks Later (2007). Directed by Danny Boyle and co-written with Alex Garland, this marks their directorial and writing reunion after stepping back as executive producers for the second film.
The franchise is widely credited with reinvigorating the zombie genre and popularizing the concept of fast-moving infected characters.
The story takes place nearly three decades after the original outbreak of the rage virus, focusing on a group of survivors in a heavily fortified island off the mainland. These survivors struggle to maintain quarantine from the infected. The plot follows one member’s perilous journey into the heart of the mainland, uncovering horrifying truths, mutated creatures, and untold secrets that pose a threat to their fragile existence.
Director: Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire)
Writers: Danny Boyle & Alex Garland
The film boasts an impressive cast with Cillian Murphy reprising his role from 28 Days Later. Joining him are:
Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, Erin Kellyman, and Edvin Ryding
Sony has teased audiences with a chilling tagline: “Time didn’t heal anything.” This suggests a suspenseful, dark, and reflective narrative, fitting for a franchise known for its atmospheric storytelling and gripping tension.
Danny Boyle and Alex Garland have plans for 28 Years Later to kick off the first of three planned films, exploring themes of survival, mutations, and societal breakdown in a post-pandemic world.
Catch all the Business News , Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.