Fans of the post-apocalyptic horror series were given an early look into 28 Years Later at a fan event hosted in New York City on Sunday, 1 June 2025.
What we know about ’28 Years Later’ after the special New York fan event
The special screening took place at the Regal Union Square Theatre, where 28 minutes of never-before-seen footage was shown to an audience that included film lovers, influencers, and entertainment media.
Director Danny Boyle, joined by lead actors Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Jodie Comer, attended the event and shared insights into the upcoming film. Boyle revealed little about the fate of characters from previous instalments, saying only:
“We don’t know what happened to them, I’m not allowed to tell you,” when asked about Jim and Selena from 28 Days Later.
The preview quickly drew strong reactions from those in attendance.
Brandon Davis, host of the Phase Hero podcast, praised the opening scenes, writing, “Watched the first 28 minutes of 28 Years Later. If the rest of the movie is this good, it’s a Certified Banger… Excellent hook to a new story. Wow.”
Online, fans echoed this sentiment. One social media user noted that Sony was deliberately keeping most of the movie under wraps to avoid spoilers. “It doesn’t go where you think,” they quoted Boyle as saying.
The movie picks up nearly thirty years after the Rage Virus first devastated society.
The story now follows a group of survivors living on a remote island, connected to the mainland by a guarded causeway. One of them embarks on a mission into infected territory, uncovering mutated threats and shocking truths.
This chapter explores both the horrors of infection and how people have changed after years in isolation.
The cast includes returning actor Cillian Murphy as Jim, along with Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, Erin Kellyman, and Edvin Ryding.
Murphy also serves as an executive producer. Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland return to the franchise, adding a familiar creative touch.
The film is visually unique, having been shot using an iPhone 15 Pro Max with special gear to achieve a raw, gritty style.
When will the movie premiere in South Africa?
28 Years Later is scheduled for a worldwide release on 20 June 2025.
While ticket bookings in South Africa have not yet opened, fans can expect local screenings around the same date.
The New York preview has set the tone, with early viewers expressing high expectations for the film’s full release.