Better Late Than Never: Cillian Murphy’s 28 Years Later Sequel Finishes Filming After 2 Decades

After two decades of anticipation, fans of the post-apocalyptic horror genre have reason to celebrate: filming for 28 Years Later, the highly awaited sequel to 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later, has officially wrapped. The news comes with a wave of excitement, particularly as Oscar-winning filmmaker Danny Boyle returns to direct the project.

Danny Boyle, who originally brought the chilling vision of a rage virus-infected world to life in 2002 with 28 Days Later, resumed his directorial duties for the new sequel. Boyle’s involvement is a significant return to the franchise, given his absence from the director’s chair for the 2007 follow-up, 28 Weeks Later. Joining Boyle is Cillian Murphy, who reprises his role as Jim, the survivor who captured audiences’ hearts in the original film. Murphy’s return is particularly notable following his recent Academy Award win for Best Actor in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.

Production for 28 Years Later began in May 2024, with the film’s principal photography taking place across various iconic locations in the UK. Among these were London, Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland, Kielder Forest in Hexham, and Priddy in Somerset. This diverse set of locations promises to bring a visually rich backdrop to the film’s harrowing narrative.

The film’s script was a collaborative effort between Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, the latter of whom wrote the screenplay for 28 Days Later. Garland, who also served as an executive producer for 28 Weeks Later, brings his distinctive narrative style back to the series, ensuring continuity and depth in the storytelling.

The journey to this sequel has been long and fraught with delays. Discussions about a third installment have circulated since 2007, but it wasn’t until January 2024 that the project officially moved into development. Alongside Murphy, the film boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, Erin Kellyman, and Edvin Ryding. This stellar lineup hints at a film that is as ambitious in its casting as it is in its scope.

Set for a theatrical release in the United States on June 20, 2025, 28 Years Later is already generating buzz as the first entry in a proposed new trilogy. While Boyle will not be directing the subsequent films, Alex Garland remains on board as the screenwriter and producer. The next installment, reportedly titled 28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple, will be directed by Nia DaCosta, known for her work on Candyman and The Marvels. According to Deadline, both 28 Years Later and The Bone Temple were planned to be filmed back-to-back, suggesting that production on the latter could commence imminently now that 28 Years Later has wrapped.

As the film industry gears up for what promises to be a riveting continuation of a beloved series, fans can finally look forward to the next chapter in the story that began over two decades ago. With a powerhouse team of creators and actors, 28 Years Later is set to breathe new life into the franchise, proving that some things are truly better late than never.