28 Days, Weeks, and Now Years Later
How a Cult Zombie Franchise Keeps Evolving and Infecting Our Culture
So if you’re like me, you’ve recently rewatched 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later - and you’re buzzing for the next chapter in this cult-favourite apocalypse saga.
Especially with the latest wave of interviews (Danny Boyle is such a great guy, a propa gentleman), viral moments, and behind-the-scenes insights that have surfaced ahead of its release.
This isn’t just another zombie film. It’s a franchise that’s managed to reinvent the apocalypse and keep fans hooked for over two decades.
So, as per usual let’s break down what makes this series so special - and of course why its latest chapter is already making waves!
A Franchise With Depth (and Bite)
The 28 Days universe stands out for its gritty, grounded approach to the apocalypse. And that’s because Danny Boyle’s original film redefined the zombie genre with its “rage virus” and bleak, hyper-realistic London. 28 Weeks Later then expanded that story, showing the aftermath and the moral complexity of rebuilding society.
But, the story didn’t stop at the movies. There’s also a 28 Days Later comic series, which dives deeper into the lore and characters. This move into comics is a classic example of transmedia storytelling - using different mediums to expand the universe and reach new audiences.
What’s Next: 28 Years Later (and Beyond)
The anticipation is real.
28 Years Later is set to hit theatres soon, and already has a sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (directed by Nia DaCosta), in the works for January.
Cillian Murphy, the original star, is also set to make a return - if Sony greenlights the third film that is (Danny Boyle is currently trying to raise funds for that).
The creative team is thinking trilogy, but with a twist: each film is treated as its own grounded, original story.
But what actually is Danny Boyle’s approach?
Embrace limitations.
As he told Business Insider:
“I love limitations, because I can bash against it and that gives energy and inventiveness.”
Instead of going bigger and flashier, Boyle keeps the story tight and human, which is probably why the franchise still feels fresh.
Behind the Scenes: Interviews and Innovations
The latest interviews with Danny Boyle, Alex Garland, and the cast - Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Alfie Williams - offer a fascinating look at the creative process.
The film has had scenes shot on an iPhone (sometimes 20, as seen below) to maintain the gritty, raw aesthetic of the original, and this choice goes to show that Boyle is committed to keeping the story grounded and urgent.
Alfie Williams, the young breakout star, has been praised for his confident performance, adding fresh energy to the franchise. The interviews also reveal that 28 Years Later was shot back-to-back with its sequel, The Bone Temple, directed by Nia DaCosta - to which she brings her own cast and vision while inheriting some elements from Boyle’s film - ensuring the franchise evolves while staying true to its roots.
Cillian Murphy’s return has also been teased as a key factor in securing the third film’s financing - the cameo of a gaunt, zombified figure had fans buzzing, as they finally thought they’d found out what happened to his character!
Infected Teletubbies: A Viral Touchpoint
One moment in the 28 Years Later trailer that had people talking online was the appearance of the Teletubbies - yep that’s right, Tinky-Winky, Dipsy, Laa Laa and Po
The trailer opens with a haunting shot of children watching the iconic children’s show on a vintage television - linking back to the early 2000s setting of the original film. Both nostalgic and unsettling, instantly setting the tone for the horrors to come.
But, while the film itself doesn’t feature these characters as props (I think), the eerie, unsettling vibe of the franchise has inspired artists to create commissioned pieces that reimagine the beloved children’s icons through the lens of the Rage Virus.
These infected Teletubby art piece/figures have become collectibles that fans can purchase - blending nostalgia with horror in a way that only resonates with the franchise’s dark tone. A direct testament to the franchise’s enduring impact and its ability to inspire creativity beyond the screen.
The use of Teletubbies also serves as a clever time capsule, because the original Teletubbies series ended in 2001, aligning perfectly with the timeline of the first film’s outbreak and this cultural synchronicity adds another layer to the franchise’s appeal.
Grounding its apocalyptic vision in a specific moment in pop culture history, making it all feel just that more real and relatable.
Transmedia Storytelling and Fan Engagement
The 28 Later franchise is a case study in how to do transmedia right:
Films: The core of the story, each with its own tone and cast.
Comics: Expanding the world, filling in gaps, and keeping fans engaged between movies.
Inspiring Moments: The Teletubbies scene - as previously mentioned - has become a touchpoint, sparking unofficial toy recreations by fans.
Official Apparel: While not the focus, official 28 Years Later apparel has launched alongside the film, offering fans tangible ways to connect with the franchise.
But here’s where things get really interesting for fans who want to go deeper…
RageLeaks.net: The Franchise’s Immersive “Dark Web” Experience
Just launched as part of the 28 Years Later campaign, RageLeaks.net is an in-universe “dark web” site that invites fans to investigate the UK outbreak for themselves.
Styled as a leak-filled, conspiracy-driven hub, the site features classified reports, surveillance footage, and posts from supposed whistleblowers about what’s really happening behind the government’s blockade after the Rage Virus spread across Europe.
To access the site, you’ll need the password: mementomori.
But, once inside you’re greeted with cryptic documents, chilling video snippets, and a rabbit hole of clues that blur the line between fiction and reality.
It’s a brilliant example of how the franchise is engaging fans in interactive world-building - giving you the chance to play detective and immerse yourself in the lore before the film even hits theatres.
This kind of immersive, ARG-style (alternate reality game) marketing not only builds hype, but also rewards die-hard fans with exclusive content and a sense of being “in on the secret.” It’s storytelling that doesn’t just ask you to watch - it asks you to participate.
Check out RageLeaks.net if you want to see how far the rabbit hole goes (and don’t forget the password: mementomori).
This is a great reminder that you don’t have to go “cinematic universe” to succeed. Instead, sometimes less is more, and focusing on quality in each medium is what keeps fans coming back.
Creative Lessons from Boyle and DaCosta
One of the most interesting things from the recent coverage is how Boyle and DaCosta are handling the creative handoff. DaCosta prepped her sequel while Boyle was still wrapping 28 Years Later, inheriting some sets and characters but building her own story and cast.
This kind of creative relay is rare, but it shows trust in the vision and the adaptability of the franchise.
Another insight from Boyle (via Business Insider on the Beatles movies coming up):
“We did a workshop with a bunch of actors, and lots of them just didn't know the [Beatles] songs... They all can recite from memory something from Taylor Swift or Harry Styles, but The Beatles? So, we'll see.”
It’s a reminder that even the most legendary IPs need to find new ways to connect with younger audiences, something that the 28 Later franchise is doing by staying relevant, grounded, and open to new creative voices.
So, What’s Next for the 28 Franchise—and Fandom?
Will the trilogy format work for 28 Years Later?
Will Cillian Murphy’s return help the third film get greenlit?
How will the franchise continue to expand into other mediums, and what does that mean for fans and creators?
Takeaways for Creators and Marketers
Embrace limitations: Constraints can fuel creativity and keep stories grounded.
Transmedia isn’t just for blockbusters: Even cult franchises can use other forms of media: comics, games, and more to build deeper worlds & brand touchpoints.
Keep it fresh: Passing the torch to new directors and voices keeps the franchise evolving.
Know your audience: As Boyle’s Beatles anecdote shows, don’t assume cultural touchstones are universal - find new ways to make them resonate.
Leverage nostalgia and horror: The Teletubbies moment proves that blending childhood icons with adult themes can create unforgettable, shareable moments.
Are you as excited for 28 Years Later as I am?
What other franchises do you think have nailed the art of evolving across mediums?
Let’s discuss below!
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