featured image credit-Sony Pictures Entertainment
The overwhelming fan response to the recently unveiled Cillian Murphy 28 Years Later trailer has sparked a nostalgic resurgence of the beloved zombie horror franchise. Sony has announced that the original 2002 Danny Boyle-directed film, 28 Days Later, will be re-released on digital platforms for purchase and rental starting December 18. The decision follows an unprecedented 24-hour viewership of the new trailer, highlighting the enduring popularity of the apocalyptic series.
28 Years Later Trailer
Record-Breaking Trailer Viewership
The trailer for 28 Years Later has smashed records, becoming the most-watched horror trailer of 2024, with a staggering 60.2 million global views in its first 24 hours. This makes it the second most-watched trailer of all time in the horror genre, trailing only It Chapter Two (96M views). As of now, the total global viewership has climbed to 146.1 million views, surpassing trailers for other popular horror films such as:
- The Nun (55.4M views)
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (55.2M views)
- Halloween (51.6M views)
- Smile 2 (33.1M views)
- Nosferatu (26.4M views).
These numbers, provided by analytics firm WaveMetrix, exclude TikTok views to ensure an equal comparison across social media platforms.
The Revival of a Cult Franchise
The original 28 Days Later, released under Searchlight Pictures, quickly became a cult classic, grossing a significant $150 million globally between it and its sequel, 28 Weeks Later. The franchise, known for its gritty realism and revolutionary take on the zombie genre, follows the aftermath of a viral outbreak caused by infected chimpanzees. Protagonist Cillian Murphy, playing a bicycle courier, awakens from a coma to find a desolate, zombie-infested London—a premise that redefined post-apocalyptic storytelling.
What’s New with ’28 Years Later’?
The upcoming installment reunites director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland, alongside original star Cillian Murphy. They are joined by a powerhouse cast, including:
- Jodie Comer (Killing Eve),
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Bullet Train),
- Ralph Fiennes (The Grand Budapest Hotel),
- Jack O’Connell (Unbroken).
The budget for the film stands at $75 million, promising high production values that elevate the franchise to new heights. Sony’s involvement signifies a major studio backing the revamped trilogy, with Alex Garland penning scripts for the new installments.
What Fans Can Expect
The latest chapter picks up decades after the original outbreak, exploring how humanity has evolved—or failed to evolve—in a post-apocalyptic world. The series promises to maintain its hallmark intensity, societal commentary, and gripping suspense while expanding its narrative scope.
FAQs About the ’28 Days Later’ Franchise
1. Why is 28 Days Later being re-released now?
The re-release aligns with the massive buzz surrounding 28 Years Later. It offers new and returning fans an opportunity to revisit the origins of the series.
2. What makes the franchise so iconic?
Danny Boyle’s innovative direction and Alex Garland’s gripping screenplay introduced fast-moving zombies and a focus on human survival, which set new standards in the horror genre.
3. Will the original cast return?
Cillian Murphy reprises his role, with additional big names joining the new movie.
4. When will 28 Years Later be released?
While a specific release date hasn’t been confirmed, the buzz suggests a premiere sometime in late 2024 or early 2025.
5. How can I watch 28 Days Later?
Starting December 18, the film will be available for digital purchase and rental on major platforms such as Amazon Prime, iTunes, and Google Play.
Sony’s decision to merge nostalgia with fresh storytelling indicates a bright future for the 28 Days Later universe. With 28 Years Later already breaking records, the franchise continues to enthrall a global audience, cementing its place in cinematic history.