More than twenty years after its initial release, the popular zombie film 28 Days Later is finally making its debut on digital platforms this week.
Because, what better way to celebrate Christmas than with a zombie movie?
This announcement follows the release of the trailer for the upcoming sequel, 28 Years Later. The trailer has become the most viewed horror trailer of the year with 60.2 million global views in just 24 hours, and it is the second highest-viewed trailer of all-time, trailing only behind It Chapter Two, which amassed 96 million views, according to WaveMetrix data cited by Deadline.
These figures exclude the additional views the trailer has garnered on TikTok, where countless fans are eagerly anticipating the sequel’s release.
Cillian Murphy will reprise his role as Jim—although his zombie character is not seen in the new trailer. Danny Boyle returns as the director, with Alex Garland once again writing the screenplay.
The movie is scheduled for release next year, marking 23 years since the original and 18 years after the sequel, 28 Weeks Later. In the meantime, fans will soon have the opportunity to watch the original film online to make the wait more bearable.
Unfortunately, 28 Days Later has not been available for streaming on platforms such as Netflix or Amazon. Fans have had to rely on older technology: the DVD.
“in need of a 28 days later rewatch but it’s not on streaming,” a frustrated fan commented on Twitter recently. Another fan expressed similar disappointment: “Why is 28 days later not streaming anywhere im so sad.”
In response to the overwhelming reaction to the 28 Years Later trailer, Sony has decided to offer the original film for digital purchase and rental starting December 18.
The news was shared on the official Instagram page for 28 Years Later, featuring a poster with the message: “28 Days Later: Buy or Rent on Digital Wednesday.”
The caption continued: “The days are numbered. Mark your calendar, #28DaysLater will be available to buy or rent on Digital starting Wednesday.”
The announcement was met with enthusiasm from fans, with one person exclaiming: “FINALLY! I had to buy it on DVD lol.”
Another fan remarked: “Shouldn’t have taken this long for it to be available digitally but better late than never.”
While some fans are still hoping for the film to be added to streaming services, the digital release represents significant progress from having to rely on the outdated DVD player!