First Trailer Review of 28 Years Later (2025)

General Information:

• Director: Danny Boyle (rumored)
• Starring: Cillian Murphy (Jim), Naomie Harris (Selena), Robert Carlyle (Don)
• Genre: Horror, Thriller, Post-Apocalyptic, Zombie
• Release Date: 2025
• Studio: 20th Century Fox / DNA Films

Trailer Breakdown:

The 28 Days Later franchise, which kicked off in 2002 with its groundbreaking mix of post-apocalyptic horror and social commentary, has been a fan favorite for its gritty, realistic depiction of a world ravaged by a virus turning people into “rage-infected” zombies. After over two decades of speculation, fans are finally treated to the first trailer of 28 Years Later, a long-awaited sequel that promises to dive deeper into the consequences of the infection and its aftermath.

Highlights

1. The Return of the Infected
   • The trailer wastes no time in reminding us of the terrifying world of the “Rage” virus. The first moments show a glimpse of the iconic “infected”—bloodshot eyes, feral aggression, and that unrelenting speed that made the zombies of the first two films so terrifying. A few quick flashes show abandoned cities overrun by the infected, but it’s clear that the virus, though dormant, is still lingering in the shadows, waiting for a resurgence.
2. A New Generation
   • Cillian Murphy’s Jim returns, now older, more hardened, and with a scarred psyche from the horrors of the first two films. His presence adds an emotional weight to the film, as he reflects on the trauma and the hope that once existed. However, the real focus of the trailer is on a new generation of survivors who are now coming of age in this dangerous world. We see young survivors navigating a post-apocalyptic world, struggling to build a new society while dealing with the remnants of the infection. The juxtaposition of youth and the lingering horror of the past creates a sense of tension and dread.
3. Emerging Threats and Psychological Horror
   • While the infection remains a significant threat, the trailer suggests that 28 Years Later will explore a more complex conflict—humanity itself. We see groups of survivors at odds with each other, with some opting for violent, survivalist tactics while others try to maintain a sense of community and morality. A cryptic voiceover hints at the virus evolving and taking on new forms, which suggests a fresh layer of horror that will challenge the survivors in unforeseen ways. The tension between the infected and human factions will likely be a key theme in the upcoming film.
4. Post-Apocalyptic Landscape and Cinematic Scope
   • The trailer showcases stunning visuals of a world still recovering from the devastation of the Rage virus. Long shots of desolate landscapes—overgrown cities, abandoned airports, and nature reclaiming urban spaces—are both beautiful and unsettling. The cinematography, while dark and gritty, also shows a glimpse of hope in the form of new communities, making the visuals of 28 Years Later feel grounded in the same atmosphere of loss, survival, and rebirth that made the original films so captivating.
5. Mysterious New Villain
   • The trailer teases a mysterious new antagonist—potentially a group of survivors led by a ruthless leader. The voice of this villain is heard in the background, promising to bring a new form of terror to the survivors. Whether they are a product of the infection or merely opportunistic survivors capitalizing on the chaos, their presence hints at the psychological horror that will unfold as old wounds are reopened.

Potential Risks and Questions

1. Maintaining the Intensity
   • The first two films of the series are known for their raw, intense atmosphere and shocking moments of violence. The challenge for 28 Years Later will be maintaining that level of intensity, especially after so many years. Will the film still be able to tap into the primal fear and urgency that made the original films stand out, or will it feel like a rehashing of old ideas? Given the passage of time, it will be crucial for the film to balance nostalgia with fresh ideas to avoid disappointing fans.
2. Evolving Virus
   • The virus itself is a major player in the 28 Days Later franchise, and the question of how the infection will evolve after so many years is a tantalizing one. While the trailer hints at the virus mutating or taking on new forms, how this will play out remains to be seen. Will it maintain the raw fear of the “rage” virus, or will it become something entirely different? This evolution could either be an exciting direction or a risk, depending on how it’s handled.
3. Character Focus
   • The return of original characters like Jim and Selena is exciting, but how much will the film focus on their stories versus the new generation of characters? Fans of the first film might be hoping for a deeper exploration of the surviving main characters, while others may prefer the focus to shift to the younger survivors who are navigating the post-virus world. It’s likely that both elements will be explored, but the balance will be key to satisfying long-time fans while attracting new audiences.

Verdict:

The first trailer for 28 Years Later builds anticipation with its promise of an evolving story set in a world still struggling with the aftermath of the Rage virus. The mix of familiar faces, thrilling action, and new horrors suggests that the film will offer both nostalgia and new challenges for its characters. The stunning visuals of the desolate world, coupled with the eerie tension between human factions and the infected, create a sense of unease that promises to keep audiences on edge.

While there are still many questions left unanswered, 28 Years Later looks poised to take the franchise in new directions while retaining the elements that made it a cult hit. Fans of the original films will likely be excited by the return of beloved characters and the new threats that await them, while newcomers to the series may be drawn in by the promise of an intense, emotional ride through a hauntingly familiar world.