Kind of surprising that it took this long for another “28 (insert time here) Later” installment. We got the original, 28 Days Later, in 2002. Five years later, we got 28 Weeks Later. After waiting for nearly 20 years for a third movie — which the sequel did set up — we skipped months and went straight to 28 Years Later, which hits theaters June 20.
As was the case with the sequel, it seems like we’ve got a whole new cast of characters in 28 Years Later. However, there have been indications that Cillian Murphy will make an appearance in the movie that will follow, reportedly titled 28 Years Later: Bone Temple. So, it bears looking back at key plot points from the first two films — which are both currently streaming.
How to Watch 28 Days Later
The movie that started it all is now available on demand on Pluto TV. You can watch it for free with ads.
(Warning: Spoilers for 28 Days Later ahead.)
What You Should Know From 28 Days Later
Key Survivors
Jim (Cillian Murphy), Selena (Naomi Harris) and Hannah (Megan Burns) were the only known survivors at the end of 28 Days Later. (Excluding the jet pilot who flew over their hideout at the end of the film.)
What They Endured
After waking up and missing the initial Rage Virus outbreak, Jim was saved by Selena and her friend, Mark (Noah Huntley). Mark didn’t last too long, thanks to Jim’s ignorance.
After wandering as a pair for a while in London, Jim and Selena found their way into the apartment of Frank (Brendan Gleeson) and his daughter, Hannah. They group didn’t stay there for long, eventually venturing out to find something more secure.
That decision would lead to Frank’s demise, followed by the introduction of a lingering group of military men — some of which proved to be unsavory characters. They did not survive Jim and Selena for too long either.
How it Ended
After breaking free of the mansion full of military men, Jim, Selena and Sophia were seen signalling for a pilot outside of their home, which seemed safe from the infected. Furthermore, it was revealed that the infected were struggling to survive. Those who still were didn’t even appear to be mobile.
What was left for interpretation: Did the jet pilot see and save Jim, Selena and Hannah?
How to Watch 28 Weeks Later
The 2007 sequel, starring Jeremy Renner and Rose Byrne, can now be streamed on Hulu.
(Warning: Spoilers for 28 Weeks Later ahead.)
What You Should Know From 28 Weeks Later
Key Survivors
Unclear.
Potentially: Tammy (Imogen Poots), Andy (Mackintosh Muggleton), Flynn (Harold Perrineau) and General Stone (Idris Elba).
What They Endured
Tammy and Andy return to what was supposed to be the start of Britain’s rebirth following the Rage Virus outbreak. Reunited with their father, Dom (Robert Carlyle), the brother-sister pair learns their mother, Alice (Catherine McCormack), perished amidst the chaos.
At least, that’s what Dom thought.
Looking to find a slice of home, Tammy and Andy left the safe zone. This irresponsible move would prove to have massive ramifications. For in their home, they found Alice, their mother.
As it was revealed that Alice survived a bite from one of the infected without turning, it appeared she also might hold the cure to the Rage Virus. Rather than serve as a solution to the seemingly dormant but still somewhat relevant concern, she led to a second outbreak — all thanks to a moment of pure selfishness and stupidity from her beloved husband, Dom, who deserted her in the first place.
From there, the rebuild collapsed. Some military men in the quarantine appeared to survive, but it’s unclear who. Among this group of potential survivors was Elba’s General Stone.
Renner’s Sgt. Doyle and Byrne’s Scarlet did everything they could to save Tammy and Andy — knowing one or both could hold the virus’ cure — while most, if not all, civilians from the quarantine zone perished. These selfless actions cost Doyle and Scarlet everything.
How it Ended
Tammy and Andy made it to Perrineau’s Flynn and his helicopter. Not before dear old dad infected Andy, though. (Dom is the absolute worst, in case that wasn’t abundantly clear.) This development proved Scarlet’s suspicion correct — Andy was impervious to the virus.
However, after Tammy and Andy linked up with the pilot, the story jumped to Flynn’s helicopter in a different location, grounded and empty. Then, we saw a swarm of infected rushing in the direction of the Eiffel Tower, indicating the Rage Virus had spread to mainland Europe.
28 Years Later Cast
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is set to star as a survivor named Jamie in the franchise’s latest installment. The film will also feature Ralph Finnes as Dr. Ian Kelson.
Jodie Comer is also among the movie’s leading roles, and she’ll play Isla. Here are some other names to note from the 28 Years Later Cast:
- Jack O’Connell as Sir Jimmy Crystal
- Erin Kellyman as Jimmy ink
- Edvin Ryding as E. Sundqvist
- Alfie Williams as Spike
- Joe Blakemore as Dave
Rotten Tomatoes’ cast list indicates Murphy’s Jim will show up in 28 Years Later — if he does, one would think that will come at the very end of the movie, leading into the sequel.
