After a long wait, the much-awaited sequel to the horror films 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later is here, bringing with it a stellar lineup of stars ready to battle infected monsters in a post-apocalyptic world.
This week, actors Jodie Comer and Aaron Taylor-Johnson were among the stars who descended on Leicester Square to celebrate the horror film's premiere before its release.
The final segment of Danny Boyle’s trilogy is probably one of the most talked-about films of this year, but so far, the reviews coming in appear to be a mixed bag.
Expect plenty of gory scenes and jumpy surprises across the 1 hour and 50 minute running time, which will be debuted in cinemas across the country from June 19.
Here is everything you need to know about the film.
What is 28 Years Later about?
The latest film comes almost 30 years after the virus broke out of a biological weapons lab, where some infected people managed to survive despite a quarantine.
They find secrets and horrors that have changed not just the infected but even other survivors when one of the gang departs the guarded island they are living on to go to the mainland.
Before blood is splashed on the screen and a woman screams, the fast-paced trailer opens with a bunch of children being urged to keep quiet while watching the BBC preschool programme Teletubbies on TV.
The scene then shifts to a small island where men are working the soil with horses. Pinned images of “roles in the community” such as councilman, seamster, and farmer are shown on a board.
Despite having a lot of similarities to zombie films, the hordes of people in the franchise are really infected with a “rage virus” rather than being zombies.
Unlike the slow-moving zombies in movies, the monsters in the original 28 Days Later were able to sprint - adding to the high-stakes tension throughout the film.
For all the spoilers about the latest film, head to our in-depth plot explainer.
Who is in the cast?
Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Jimmy
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is best known for playing the title role in Kick-Ass and its 2013 follow-up, and for playing Pietro Maximoff in Avengers: Age of Ultron, a character from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In 28 Years Later, he assumed the role of Jamie, who lives on Holy Island with his wife Isla (played by Jodie Comer) and their son Spike (Alfie Williams).
Jodie Comer as Isla
Jodie Comer, who won an Emmy for her role in Killing Eve, plays Isla, a mother who is on the run.
Comer became well-known for her roles in Doctor Foster and My Mad Fat Diary. She additionally appeared in the drama miniseries Thirteen.
Ralph Fiennes
Ralph Fiennes is known for his many roles in a variety of films, but he’s probably best known for portraying Voldemort in the Harry Potter series.
Fiennes assumes the role of Dr. Ian Kelson in 28 Years Later. His character has seemingly survived on the mainline for almost three decades after the Rage Virus broke out.
Jack O'Connell
Known for his stint on Channel 4’s Skins and his incredible ascent to Hollywood fame (and recent appearance in Sinners), Jack O’Connell plays Sir Jimmy Crystal.
It’s understood that he portrays a cult leader in the film and plays an integral role in its plot.
When is 28 Years Later out?
28 Years Later will be released in cinemas on June 19, 2025.
With a sequel, 28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple already in the works from Candyman director Nia DaCosta, the movie is anticipated to start a new trilogy.
