Danny Boyle Planning ‘28 Days Later' Sequel Movie

The filmmaking duo are pitching ‘28 Years Later’, which would follow the story of their 2002 horror movie in a new way –– with plans for a fresh trilogy.

Cillian Murphy in 2002's '28 Days Later.' Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures.

Preview:

‘28 Years Later’ will pick up the story of the classic horror pic.
Boyle will direct with Garland writing.
The aim is to launch a new trilogy.

Back in 2002, director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland breathed new life into the zombie genre by creating ‘28 Days Later’, which saw Cillian Murphy starring as a man who wakes up from a coma to discover that London –– and the world –– has been overtaken by a virus that turns its victims into rage-filled monsters who savage their victims.

While the “Z” word is never used, the Infected, for all their fast speed are certainly a take on the genre.

‘28 Days Later’ was followed directly by 2007’s ‘28 Weeks Later’, which was directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, with Boyle and Garland only involved as executive producers.

Now, though, after years of the filmmaking pair talking up the idea of another sequel to the original, it appears they’ve officially come up with a concept they like.

28 Days Later

"His fear began when he woke up alone. His terror began when he realised he wasn't."

R1 hr 53 minMay 7th, 2003

Showtimes & Tickets

Watch 28 Days Later Online

What’s happening with the new ‘28 Days Later’ sequel?

Cillian Murphy in 2002's '28 Days Later.' Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Boyle and Garland are now ready to pitch a movie called ‘28 Years Later’. While the plot is being kept under wraps for now, the title points to picking up the story decades after the original and seeing what has happened to the country since then. We’re guessing nothing good, but with Boyle and Garland involved, it’ll be entertaining finding out.

As of right now, the plan is for Boyle to direct the new movie and Garland to write it. And it’s not just an idea for one movie –– the pair has plans to make a new trilogy based on the concept with Garland writing all three and a planned $75 million budget per movie. Given that his own filmmaking career has evolved since then (his latest movie as a director, ‘Civil War’ is out this April), there’s a chance Garland might step up to direct one of the others.

Where will the new movie be seen?

Danny Boyle attends the Academy’s 7th Annual Governors Awards in The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, CA, on Saturday, November 14, 2015. Credit/Provider: Matt Petit / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

As of right now, Garland and Boyle are, via their agency WME, pitching the idea to studios and streamers, so we’d expect there to be plenty of interest given the known concept and the fact that the people behind the original movie are once more involved.

Who knows –– if this one is a success, we could see yet another resurgence for the genre, which could use some new ideas after years of ‘The Walking Dead’.