Danny Boyle returns to revitalize zombie genre with '28 Years Later'
Director Danny Boyle speaks with Korean reporters during an online press conference for his new movie “28 Years Later,” Wednesday. Courtesy of Sony Pictures
Acclaimed filmmaker Danny Boyle unveiled that his latest zombie franchise “28 Years Later” will be “exciting and terrifying,” offering a fresh take on the genre he helped redefine.
“I hope it will be an exciting and terrifying film,” Boyle said during an online press conference with Korean reporters Wednesday.
Boyle's 2002 film “28 Days Later" is credited with revolutionizing the zombie genre by introducing fast-moving “infected” rather than traditional slow-moving zombies. The director highlighted how “28 Years Later” continues this tradition by further evolving these creatures.
“I think it's a unique setting and experience because people love the first film and continue to talk about the first film,” Boyle said.
He elaborated on the film's unique approach to survival, not just for humans but for the virus itself. “It tried to redefine what was understood as a zombie film. We call ours 'the infected,' and they behaved in a different way.”
When asked what finally convinced him to revisit the “28 Days Later” universe after more than two decades, Boyle emphasized the strength of the script and its unexpected narrative.
“I think the absolute kernel of the truth is that it's a great script with a really surprising story at the heart of it,” he said.
Actors Aaron Taylor-Johnson, left, and Alfie Williams, in a scene from “28 Years Later” / Courtesy of Sony Pictures
The director noted how the COVID-19 pandemic inadvertently connected the new film to the original's themes of deserted cities.
“Something that we all went through worldwide, something that connected us and kept us alive. The first film, people recognize the deserted cities in their own backyard," he said.
Beyond the timely narrative, Boyle expressed gratitude to fans of the original who have shown enduring affection.
“Ultimately it was the enthusiasm for the audiences, for the original film, which has maintained itself even after 20 years,” he said.
This sustained interest, coupled with screenwriter Alex Garland's fresh ideas, formed Boyle's core motivation. “It made us want to return and see if we could come up with an idea that inherited the virus from the first film, and the consequences of what had happened in the first film, but was an entirely new story,” he added.
Director Danny Boyle's team used iPhone 15 Pro Max smartphones to shoot parts of “28 Years Later.” Courtesy of Sony Pictures
The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ralph Fiennes. Cillian Murphy, who starred in “28 Days Later” and recently won an Academy Award for “Oppenheimer” (2023), returns as an executive producer.
“Cillian Murphy ... is only an executive producer on this film. He doesn't appear in this film because the film is linked to two other films,” Boyle explained, revealing plans for a trilogy.
“So it's a trilogy of films and Cillian's character is something that will connect the trilogy with the original film.”
Boyle said some scenes were shot using iPhone 15 Pro Max smartphones. This choice inherits from the original "28 Days Later," which famously used consumer-grade video cameras.
“The first film was shot on domestic video cameras — really, it was the first widely released digital film,” Boyle recalled. He highlighted the leap in technology that allows for 4K recording on smartphones, enabling a cinematic quality while offering lightweight flexibility.
“28 Years Later” premieres in Korea on Thursday.