The Lasting Impact of “28 Days Later” on Zombie and Infected Genre Media
Films featuring zombies or otherworldly creatures have enthralled audiences for many years. One notable influence in this genre is the film “28 Days Later,” directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland. In a recent conversation with IndieWire, Boyle humorously remarked that he and Garland should receive royalties from popular titles like “The Last of Us” and “The Walking Dead,” attributing their inspiration to his and Garland’s work.
During the interview, Boyle revealed that the persistent success of the undead genre, propelled by series like “The Last of Us” and “The Walking Dead,” was a key factor in deciding to develop “28 Years Later,” a new sequel in their own franchise. “The sustained interest and expansion upon the original film’s concept made us half-jokingly wish we had a share in the success of these newer projects,” he expressed.
Debuting in 2002, “28 Days Later” introduces viewers to a post-apocalyptic scenario where Cillian Murphy’s character awakens from a coma to find a virus-ravaged world. Similarly, “The Last of Us,” a video game series developed by Naughty Dog, depicts a society crumbling under a fungal outbreak, leading to monstrous transformations.
Alex Garland, the scriptwriter for both “28 Days Later” and its sequel “28 Years Later,” has openly praised “The Last of Us” for its superior artistic and narrative quality. “When I experienced ‘The Last of Us,’ it felt profoundly more sophisticated and emotionally moving. Not to undermine ’28 Days Later,’ which holds a special place, but ‘The Last of Us’ is a step above,” Garland explained.
The sequel “28 Years Later” has recently hit theaters, garnering over $60 million globally. The film features a cast including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Alfie Williams, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes, continuing the harrowing tale of survival in a decimated world.
As for “The Last of Us,” the franchise first launched in 2013 and saw a sequel in 2020. Reports suggest that a third installment might be underway, though official confirmation from Naughty Dog remains pending. Additionally, the HBO adaptation of “The Last of Us” is set to return for a third season, further expanding its narrative reach.
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Ava covers the intersection of celebrity culture and social media, keeping up with the ever-changing world of online influencers and viral moments.

