Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later: A Highly Anticipated Horror Sequel
According to a recent interview with IGN, director Danny Boyle is set to return to the post-apocalyptic world of 28 Days Later with a new sequel, 28 Years Later. The film, which is currently in production, promises to be a bigger and more grandiose affair than its predecessor, with a unique visual style and a focus on character development.
As IGN reports, Boyle and writer Alex Garland have been considering a follow-up to 28 Days Later for many years, but it wasn’t until they began discussing a new approach that the project gained momentum. "We used a very widescreen format in this one," Boyle told IGN. "We thought we’d benefit from the unease that the first film created about the speed and the velocity, the visceral [aspect] of the way the infected were depicted. If you’re on a widescreen format, they could be anywhere… you have to keep scanning, looking around for them, really."
The film will star Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Alfie Williams, and will explore the aftermath of the Rage Virus that devastated the UK in the original film. Boyle and Garland are taking a different approach to expanding the series, focusing on a more isolated community and exploring themes of Brexit and British identity. As Boyle noted, "We turned back and looked at ourselves and we thought … it was very much like an England [type] film. So we kind of narrowed it down. We did the opposite of what you’d expect and it was because we had a lot to think about."
In an effort to create a unique visual style, Boyle and cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle are using a 2.76:1 widescreen aspect ratio, which is often used for Imax or Ultra Panavision 70mm epics. The film will also incorporate a range of production techniques, including the use of iPhones with special rigs to capture immersive footage. According to IGN, Boyle achieved this effect using "one for eight cameras, which can be carried very easily by one person, one for 10 cameras, and one for 20."
Boyle’s approach to storytelling is centered around balancing action and character development, a partnership that has been honed through his collaborations with Garland. As IGN reports, Boyle noted that Garland’s writing is "very challenging" but ultimately rewarding, and that the two have a strong understanding of how to bring the physical elements of the film to life.
The film’s release date is set for June 20 in the US and UK, and June 19 in Australia. With its unique visual style, focus on character development, and exploration of themes relevant to contemporary Britain, 28 Years Later is shaping up to be a must-see horror sequel. As Boyle told IGN, "It’s challenging, the film. It’s not what you’ll expect at all. It is in certain ways, but it’s also unusual as well. So I’m very proud of that."
As the film industry continues to evolve, Boyle’s approach to storytelling and visual style is a testament to the enduring power of creative vision and collaboration. With 28 Years Later, Boyle and Garland are poised to deliver a film that will surprise and captivate audiences, and leave a lasting impact on the horror genre.
The film’s use of widescreen format and multiple camera rigs is a nod to the innovative approach of the original film, which was shot on digital video. Boyle’s enthusiasm for the project is evident, and his commitment to creating a unique and immersive experience for audiences is clear. As IGN reports, Boyle is "very proud" of the film, and it’s clear that 28 Years Later is a labor of love for the director and his team.
Overall, 28 Years Later promises to be a thrilling and thought-provoking addition to the 28 Days Later franchise, and fans of the original film would do well to keep an eye on this highly anticipated horror sequel. With its release just around the corner, it’s clear that 28 Years Later is going to be a major player in the horror genre this year.
