Charlie Hunnam might star in Danny Boyle's '28 Years Later'
Charlie Hunnam, best known for his role in Sons of Anarchy, is reportedly in talks to join the cast of the much-anticipated sequel to 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later. The new installment, titled 28 Years Later, is currently under development. The buzz surrounding Hunnam's involvement comes in the wake of earlier reports suggesting that Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) might essay the leading role. While Danny Boyle directed 28 Days Later, Juan Carlos Fresnadillo helmed 28 Weeks Later.
Why does this story matter?
In 2002, Boyle's 28 Days Later hit the screens, featuring Cillian Murphy as Jim—an unexpected survivor in a world ravaged by a deadly zombie virus. Set against the backdrop of a desolate Great Britain, the film follows Jim's harrowing journey as he tries to avoid the wrath of enraged inhabitants. Its success paved the way for the sequel, 28 Weeks Later (2007). Now, a third film is set to expand the dystopian universe created by Boyle and writer Alex Garland.
Murphy's role in '28 Years Later' is still uncertain
Meanwhile, there's speculation about the return of Academy Award-winning actor Murphy, who was last seen in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer. While Murphy's involvement has yet to be confirmed, he has expressed openness to returning to the franchise. Regardless of his on-screen presence, it's confirmed that Murphy will have a role as an executive producer in the project.
Original creators return for '28 Years Later'
Sony, the current rights holder of the film series, officially confirmed that Boyle will direct the upcoming installment. Garland is also returning to script this threequel. Notably, last year, both the writer and director expressed their aspirations to extend the series, with Garland revealing, "I resisted it for a long time because there were things about 28 Weeks that bugged me." "A few years ago an idea materialized in my head for what would really be 28 Years Later."
Murphy reflected on '28 Days Later' legacy
Previously, Murphy reflected on the original film's impact since its 2002 release, stating: "Before 28 Days Later, there weren't that many zombie movies—it was kind of a dead genre. So Danny and Alex rebooted it." He also noted the film's continued relevance during the pandemic, saying: "The amount of memes—I do know what a meme is—that everybody sent me during the pandemic of 28 Days Later was crazy."
