28 Days Later Returns to Digital After Years of Unavailability

Horror fans are finally getting the chance to revisit the 2002 classic 28 Days Later after a prolonged period of unavailability. The popular zombie film, directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, will be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Prime Video starting December 18, 2024. This long-awaited digital release comes just ahead of the release of its much-anticipated sequel, 28 Years Later, which is set to hit theaters on June 20, 2025.

Film’s Release History

28 Days Later follows the story of a courier, played by Cillian Murphy, who wakes up from a coma to find London overrun by zombie-like creatures after a deadly virus outbreak. For years, the film has been almost impossible to find on streaming services, on-demand platforms, or in stores, leaving fans with few options. The movie could only be found through second-hand sources, or by those lucky enough to have owned a copy since its release. The film’s unavailability had left many fans frustrated, particularly with the rise of its sequel.

Complicated Rights History

The movie’s unavailability for so long can be attributed to complex issues surrounding its distribution rights. Initially, 20th Century Fox held the rights to the film, which they distributed during its release. However, after Disney acquired Fox in 2019, the movie’s rights shifted to the larger media conglomerate. Despite this, 28 Days Later did not make it to streaming platforms. In 2024, the rights were once again sold, this time to Sony, which is now working to release the film on digital platforms.

Upcoming Sequel and Digital Release

As the excitement for 28 Years Later grows, 28 Days Later’s return to digital will allow a new generation of viewers to experience the original film. The sequel, starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes, picks up nearly 30 years after the original outbreak. The film’s trailer, which dropped earlier this month, has already become one of the most-watched horror trailers, further fueling anticipation for its June 2025 release.

Availability Details

• 28 Days Later will be available for digital purchase or rental on platforms such as Prime Video from December 18, 2024.
• 28 Weeks Later, the 2007 sequel, is currently available for streaming on Disney+.
• 28 Years Later, the long-awaited third installment, will be in theaters on June 20, 2025.

For fans of the franchise, this marks the end of a long wait, as they can now enjoy the film digitally and prepare for the next chapter in this iconic zombie horror series.

For more updates on 28 Days Later, tune in to Vviptimes.