In 2002, moviegoers were enthralled by the British horror sensation 28 Days Later, crafted by visionary director Danny Boyle. Despite its modest $8 million budget, the film became a global phenomenon, raking in $85 million worldwide and revolutionizing the zombie genre for the modern era. Fast forward five years, and audiences were treated to the intense sequel, 28 Weeks Later, produced by Boyle and helmed by director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo. However, the sequel left fans hanging on a precipice, teasing a third installment dubbed 28 Months Later.

Now, nearly 17 years since the last instalment, the long-awaited third chapter has finally been greenlit, albeit with a new moniker: 28 Years Later. Under a fresh production banner and with the esteemed filmmaking tandem of Garland-Boyle back in action alongside Academy Award nominee Cillian Murphy, fans can rejoice as the saga reaches its thrilling conclusion. But what led to this prolonged hiatus, and why the shift from months to years in the title? Let’s delve into the intricacies of why it took so long to resurrect this beloved franchise and explore the evolution from 28 Months Later to 28 Years Later.

What happened to the 3rd movie?

The first discussions around a sequel started in 2007 when the status would be determined by DVD sales of 28 Weeks Later. The same year, Danny Boyle was promoting Sunshine and said there were possible ideas for a third movie. Yet hope seemed dashed when writer Alex Garland said the rights were held up with people who were no longer talking, and that would prevent any sequel from happening. This was 2010, and it is unclear who Garland was referring to that were not speaking.

Years later, however, Garland opened up about the true reason he was reluctant to working on a sequel, and that had to do more with creative dissatisfaction than anything else. “I resisted it for a long time because there were things about 28 Weeks that bugged me,” he said. “I just thought, ‘F**k that. I’d rather try to write a different story in a different world’.”

While it is true that 28 Weeks wasn’t as good as 28 Days, that’s normal for sequels, and it’s a good movie, even if the comparison to the first one leaves it at a disadvantage. “But a few years ago an idea materialized in my head for what would be really 28 Years Later,” he added. “Danny [Boyle] always liked the idea.” It’s possible that the distance from the second movie has put things in perspective for Garland and made him realize that just because he was a little disappointed with 28 Weeks, the franchise is worth it.

The New Movie Name

The announcement of the third installment couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment, aligning perfectly with the growth and maturity of filmmakers Alex Garland and Danny Boyle, alongside Cillian Murphy’s peak popularity, highlighted by the triumph of Oppenheimer and his prestigious Academy Award nomination.

For years, speculation surrounded the title of the anticipated sequel, with 28 Months Later emerging as the natural progression from its predecessors, 28 Days and 28 Weeks. However, the recent confirmation reveals a subtle yet significant shift: the title will now be 28 Years Later. This change holds weight, symbolizing the extensive gap since the franchise’s last outing. Far from a mere alteration, this new title sets the stage for the upcoming film, dictating the temporal landscape and offering insight into the characters’ evolving lives.

Sony Won the Bidding War for the Movie

Following the sequel’s announcement, a fierce bidding war erupted among various studios vying for the rights to the film. The battle concluded on January 31, 2024, with Sony emerging victorious in securing the rights to 28 Years Later, ensuring the return of director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland. Adding to the intrigue, Cillian Murphy joins as executive producer, though his reprisal of his role remains unconfirmed.

Sony’s acquisition is seen as a strategic move, aligning well with the company’s strengths compared to Disney. The original 28 Days Later found its home with Fox Searchlight, while its sequel, 28 Weeks Later, landed under Fox Atomic’s umbrella, catering to smaller genre productions. With Disney’s recent rebranding of 20th Century Fox into 20th Century Pictures and their focus on streaming, a theatrical release for the highly anticipated horror sequel might have posed a financial risk.

Boyle and Garland, both industry heavyweights, could have pushed for a theatrical release elsewhere, but Disney’s cautious approach to risk and production reduction made Sony a more suitable partner. Sony lacks a streaming service and craves major franchises after losing James Bond. A horror blockbuster like 28 Years Later aligns with Sony’s goals, especially considering the genre’s recent box office success.

The film not only aims to conclude the existing storyline but also serves as the launchpad for a new trilogy, promising potential longevity. Sony’s involvement signals progress in the film’s development, with the core team in place and ready to move forward. While no release date has been set, anticipation builds for updates, with hopes of a 2025 theatrical premiere, marking 23 years since 28 Days Later’s debut and echoing the title’s temporal motif.

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