28 Years Later: everything we know so far

The infected will return to the big screen in 28 Years Later. Following the events of 28 Days Later (2002) and 28 Weeks Later (2017), the latest chapter in the terrifying, apocalyptic horror series will be sprinting onto the big screen in the not-too-distant future. Here's what we know so far.

What happened in 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later?

28 Days Later centered on bike courier Jim (played by Oppenheimer Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy). He woke up in the hospital to discover that Britain had been devastated by the rage virus, an infection stemming from chimpanzee experiments that transforms ordinary citizens into red-eyed, bloodthirsty maniacs.

Jim and several other survivors including Selena (Naomie Harris) left London to find a haven. Sequel 28 Weeks Later focused on a new group of characters looking to start afresh in London under the protection of the US military after the rage virus had apparently subsided. However, it soon resurfaced in a far more aggressive form.

What is the story of 28 Years Later?

Unknown at this stage. The franchise has progressed incrementally from weeks to months to years, so we can surely expect a truly post-apocalyptic world ravaged by the infected.

The first two movies concentrated on the outbreak in the UK, and the end of 28 Weeks Later showed us that the rage virus had finally reached Paris. Will 28 Years Later expand the global scope of this blood-curdling saga?

Who stars in 28 Years Later?

It has been confirmed (via Deadline) that The Fall Guy star (and a potential new candidate for James Bond) Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been cast in the film. He will be joined by The Last Duel's Jodie Comer and the renowned Ralph Fiennes (Schindler's List; The English Patient).

There's no word yet as to who they're playing, nor any word about the possible return of Cillian Murphy and Naomie Harris from 28 Days Later.

Who is directing 28 Years Later?

Danny Boyle is directing 28 Years Later. It will be his first film in the franchise since the 2002 original – he executive produced 28 Weeks Later while Juan Carlos Fresnadillo directed it.

Who is writing the script for 28 Years Later?

Alex Garland will write the script for 28 Years Later. He and Boyle collaborated on 28 Days Later and also on the sci-fi drama Sunshine (2007). Garland's latest film Civil War is currently on release at Cineworld.

Is 28 Years Later the first part of a new trilogy?

Yes, 28 Years Later will be followed by two more movies. Deadline broke the news that Candyman and The Marvels director Nia DaCosta is being tapped to direct the second film.