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28 Weeks Later

28 Weeks Later is a 2007 British zombie horror film directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

28 Weeks Later is a 2007 British zombie horror film directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo. It is set six months after the Rage virus outbreak in the United Kingdom and follows attempts to repopulate and secure London after the virus appears to resurface. The film stars Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne, Jeremy Renner, Harold Perrineau, Catherine McCormack, Mackintosh Muggleton, Imogen Poots, and Idris Elba.

Plot

The story is set after the Rage virus has apparently died out from starvation and Britain is being repopulated under military supervision. A new breach of protocol allows the virus to return, causing another outbreak in London.

Production

28 Weeks Later was directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and produced as a co-production involving the United Kingdom, the United States, and Spain. It is the follow-up to 28 Days Later.

Release and reception

The film was released in cinemas on 11 May 2007. It received generally positive reviews and earned about $72.3 million worldwide.

Legacy

The film is commonly discussed as a tense continuation of the Rage-virus story introduced in 28 Days Later. It is known for its opening sequence, large-scale outbreak scenes, and bleak tone.

Key facts

  • The film is set six months after the Rage virus outbreak that devastated mainland Britain.
  • It follows a US-led NATO effort to establish a safe zone and begin repopulating London.
  • The virus is reintroduced into the safe area, leading to a new outbreak.
  • The film is a sequel to 28 Days Later.
  • It was released theatrically on 11 May 2007.
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Canadian context

The film was released internationally, including in English-language markets such as Canada, and is part of a well-known horror franchise that has been widely viewed by Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is 28 Weeks Later about?
It follows a NATO-led attempt to rebuild London six months after the Rage virus outbreak, but the virus returns after survivors break security protocol.
Is 28 Weeks Later a sequel to 28 Days Later?
Yes. It is the sequel to 28 Days Later and continues the same Rage virus storyline.
Who directed 28 Weeks Later?
Juan Carlos Fresnadillo directed the film.
What happened to the characters in 28 Weeks Later?
The main characters are caught in the renewed outbreak in London; several are killed or infected, while Tammy, Andy, and Scarlet escape by helicopter at the end.
Is 28 Weeks Later scary?
It is generally classified as a horror film and is known for intense violence, gore, and suspense, so it is widely considered scary.
When was 28 Weeks Later released?
It was released theatrically on 11 May 2007.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/28_Weeks_Later
    Supports: Cast, plot premise, release date, co-production countries, box office, and general overview.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/28_weeks_later
    Supports: Director, release date, genre, rating, and synopsis.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0463854/plotsummary/
    Supports: Plot summary and opening premise.
  4. Moria — https://moriareviews.com/sciencefiction/28-weeks-later-2007.htm
    Supports: Director and detailed plot developments, including the fate of major characters.