A $1.3 billion franchise wasted its three-movie template, but 28 Years Later can make up for its failures. Serving as the third installment in the 28 Days Later movie franchise, 28 Years Later is still in production but generating immense hype with its new casting choices. Although the film’s plot details are still under wraps, talented actors like Jodie Corner, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, and Jack O’Connell have joined its roster.

While a film’s casting choices alone do not determine its success, a fresh line-up and Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s return as its joint writers promise it will at least be better than 28 Weeks Later. Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later also seems to be getting several other things right, proving it will avoid making the same mistakes as other movie threequels. Owing to this, it is hard not to believe that 28 Years Later will likely make good use of its trilogy format and add more depth to the overarching franchise instead of weighing it down.

28 Years Later Can Finally Fulfil Alien’s Original Trilogy Promise

28 Years Later Can Be A Better Third Installment Than Alien 3

After the first two Alien movies’ success, the third installment in the Alien franchise was also expected to repeat its predecessors’ box office triumphs and critical acclaim. Unfortunately, despite being helmed by a talented director like David Fincher, who has consistently delivered one critical hit after another in recent years, Alien 3 failed to match the high expectations associated with the movie franchise. If Alien 3 had maintained the franchise’s momentum and repeated what Ridley Scott and James Cameron achieved in the first two films, the Alien trilogy would have ranked among the rare few flawless trilogies like Lord of the Rings and The Dark Knight.

Like Alien, the 28 Days Later franchise has also experienced its own set of highs and lows. While the first film, 28 Days Later, is considered one of the best zombie movies even over two decades after its release, 28 Weeks Later was never seen as a worthy sequel to its predecessor. However, unlike Alien 3, 28 Years Later can still redeem its franchise by closing its overarching trilogy on a high note. Only time will tell whether 28 Years Later will fulfill Alien‘s original trilogy promise. However, with Danny Boyle and Alex Garland at its helm, 28 Years Later already seems to be on the right track to become a superior third installment than Alien 3.

The 28 Series Already Mirrors The Original Alien Films

Both Franchises Share Many Narrative Parallels

28 Days Later and Alien fall under two distinct horror sub-genres. While 28 Days Later is more of a zombie thriller, Alien, as its title suggests, combines body horror with sci-fi extraterrestrial intrigue. However, despite adopting different brands of horror, the film franchises share many interesting narrative similarities. For instance, the first installments of both conform more to the traditional tropes of their respective sub-genres while portraying their central creatures in a slightly unique light.

Even the second parts in the two franchises, 28 Weeks Later and Aliens, are similar in the sense that they lean more towards action and spectacle instead of recreating the indie charm of their predecessors. 28 Weeks Later and Aliens also add new younger characters, like Newt, Tammy, and Andy, to their roster. It would be great if this trend continues and 28 Years Later mirrors Alien 3. However, given how Alien 3 failed to leave its mark despite initially showing immense promise, 28 Years Later must tread carefully to avoid repeating Alien 3‘s mistakes.

28 Years Later Can Correct Alien 3’s Mistakes

28 Years Later Already Seems To Be On The Right Track

Alien 3 attempts to dabble with several complex themes and philosophical ideas by presenting itself as a meditation on nihilism. Unfortunately, its failure to execute these ideas effectively results in a muddled story that neither offers the thrill and action of its predecessors nor compels viewers with its depth. The third Alien movie was also weighed down by several production and scripting issues that held it back from reaching its potential and striking the right balance between philosophical introspection and gripping action.

Unlike Alien 3, 28 Years Later‘s production has not been rushed, and it has taken Alex Garland and Danny Boyle over 20 years to finally return to the franchise. While the film’s plots remain unknown, the fact that 28 Days Later was successful primarily because of Garland’s writing prowess and Boyle’s directorial forte almost guarantees 28 Years Later‘s success. The film’s early cast additions have also effectively raised the anticipation surrounding its release. With so much working in 28 Years Later‘s favor, it seems likely it will not experience Alien 3‘s failures.