Danny Boyle says it's an ‘absolute blast' to launch zombie sequel 28 Years Later in London

DIRECTOR Danny Boyle was in London last night for the global premiere of his long-awaited zombie sequel 28 Years Later.
Manchester-born Boyle, whose parents hailed from Co. Galway, was in the capital to walk the red carpet in Leicester Square with some of the stars of the film, including Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
After a gap of more than 23 years, Boyle returned to direct the sequel to his 2002 hit 28 Days Later, which starred Cillian Murphy and was written by Alex Garland.
Alfie Williams, Jodie Comer, Danny Boyle and Aaron Taylor-Johnson attend the 28 Years Later world premiere at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square last night
Garland also returned to write the sequel, and Murphy, whose character Jim's future was unclear at the end of the first film, came back on board as executive producer, although he does not appear in this film.
But this is only the first instalment of a planned 28 Years Later trilogy.
It boasts a stellar cast, which also includes Jack O'Connell and Alfie Williams, and Boyle was only too happy to share it with the viewing public for the first time in London last night.
'We've persuaded the Americans to spend a ton of money on a movie that is entirely British,' Boyle said ahead of a preview screening of the show, which opens in cinemas today.
'It's entirely set in Britain,' he explained, 'all over the place, it was meant to be just in Northumbria but some of you will recognise different bits of it in different places.'
He added: 'It's brilliant to bring it here and open it in London.
'And like we are all crippled with anxiety about how it is going to do because we want to make a third film, it's meant to be part of a trilogy, but to do that it has to perform well and everything and things like that,' he admitted.
'But not withstanding any of that it's an absolute blast to be here premiering the film and not in New York and not in LA.
'So yeah it's very special for us.'
Boyle went on to share an insight from his experience with the first film of the franchise.
'When we launched the first film 23 years ago they said whatever you do don't call it 28 days later,' he said.
'They said, there is a Sandra Bullock movie out at the moment called 28 Days, and it is a romantic comedy, and if people book and turn up and see this they will be deeply disturbed.
'And we said 'good'. And I hope you agree when you see this one as well.'

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Irish Daily Mirror

42 minutes ago

• Irish Daily Mirror

Actress in grovelling apology after accusing Air India crash survivor of lying

An Indian film actress has been compelled to apologise publicly after alleging that the sole survivor of an Air India plane disaster was dishonest about his incredible escape. Suchitra Krishnamoorthi removed a contentious social media post in which she urged British man Vishwash Ramesh to face "some serious punishment" for allegedly fabricating his story. In her now-erased post, she questioned: "So this #vishwaskumarramesh lied about bng a passenger on the plane and the only survivor? This is seriously weird. Didn't his family in the UK corroborate his story?". She continued with her scepticism, asking: "What about his brother's funeral that he was seen giving kandha to? Deserve not only some serious punishment but some mental asylum time if this is true uff." Her remarks incited anger and prompted people to demand an explanation. She subsequently retracted her original post and issued an apology, reports the Mirror. Her statement of regret affirmed: "Took out my last tweet on the air india crash survivor. Seems to be false news circulated for God knows what reason. My apologies." The 40 year old British man, who had boarded Air India flight 171 destined for London Gatwick alongside his brother, miraculously survived when the aircraft crashed shortly after take-off, claiming the lives of all other passengers. The accident's lone survivor later related his feelings of "guilt" at having lived through the tragedy. Mr Ramesh has confided in friends about his profound grief, admitting he wishes he "was not alive" and tortured by thoughts that his brother might have lived. His brother Ajay was situated on the opposite end of the ill-fated Boeing 787 Dreamliner during the cataclysmic crash, while Mr Ramesh miraculously made it out with minor injuries after scrambling out through a gap in the fuselage. He agonizes over the thought that their chances of survival could have been doubled had they sat together as he had tried to arrange before the flight. The bereaved father lamented that he had attempted to secure adjacent seats, but his plans were thwarted because one was already occupied. Describing his heartbreaking ordeal, he said: "If we had been sat together we both might have survived. I tried to get two seats together but someone had already got one. Me and Ajay would have been sitting together." Haunted by the loss, he shared: "But I lost my brother in front of my eyes. So now I am constantly thinking 'Why can't I save my brother?' It's a miracle I survived." Bearing the emotional scars, he expressed: "I am okay physically but I feel terrible that I could not save Ajay." Mr Ramesh, who is also a father, reflected with despondence: "I wish I was not alive."

Irish Daily Mirror

an hour ago

• Irish Daily Mirror

Tributes pour in as legendary Irish trainer Prendergast dies at the age of 92

Tributes have poured in from the racing world after the sad news broke of the death of legendary trainer Kevin Prendergast. Prendergast's remarkable career in racing began in 1963 when he secured his training licence. As the son of renowned trainer Paddy 'Darkie' Prendergast, who achieved the distinction of becoming the first Irish-based trainer to claim the British championship in 1963, Kevin was destined for greatness. Throughout his illustrious career, Prendergast achieved significant milestones, including a 2000 Guineas win at Newmarket with Nebbiolo in 1977. He also secured two Irish 2000 Guineas victories, with his most recent triumph coming with Awtaad in 2016. Notably, Prendergast narrowly missed out on a Derby win when Madhmoon was edged out by half a length by Anthony Van Dyck in 2019. Jockey Chris Hayes, who formed a lasting bond with Prendergast, paid a heartfelt tribute to his former mentor. Hayes reflected on their close relationship, stating: "I started out calling him 'sir' and that moved on to boss and we had a very close relationship, especially in the latter years. He was like a father or grandfather figure and we spoke closely and candidly." Hayes continued, "I had the utmost respect for him. You could always ring Kevin at the drop of a hat and vice versa – he would have no problem ringing me even up to last week telling me if I had given one a good ride or a bad ride. I'd always enjoy ringing him up for a chat. "The term legend is thrown about a bit loosely in this age and generation, but there is no other way to describe him." Jockey Chris Hayes shares poignant memories as he reflects on his longstanding partnership with renowned trainer Kevin Prendergast, describing their final race together: "I had a second for him last week (aboard Glory To Be at Cork) and I was desperately hoping that our last ride together as it transpired would be a winning one, but we at least went out all guns blazing." A sense of an era drawing to a close was palpable as Hayes recounted the connection he felt with Prendergast, "I had a good chat with him afterwards and was actually planning to go in and sit on a few horses for him tomorrow so it's a sad day and I'm a little bit numb as I've known nothing but him in racing, it's a real end of an era." Reminiscing over their accomplishments, Hayes holds their Curragh triumph nine years ago with Awtaad close to his heart, stating "Hayes' first Group One success for Prendergast was La Collina, but it is memories of their Classic success together at the Curragh nine years ago with Awtaad which the 37 year old treasures most from their long association." He recalled the milestones with emotional clarity, highlighting the unique bond between horse and jockey: "La Collina was my first Group One winner for Kevin, but Awtaad was the first horse that was mine – I inherited La Collina from Declan McDonogh." Their time together was marked by many high points, as Hayes noted, "Obviously there were also some great days with Madhmoon who came after Awtaad. But Awtaad's Guineas was phenomenal." Elaborating on the unforgettable moments, Hayes remarked, "It was the old Curragh and the cheer we got on the way in, I haven't heard one like it since." Chris Hayes further emphasised the deep respect and admiration that surrounds Kevin Prendergast, saying, "I've been around a while and I never heard a cheer like that before that either and that cheer was all for Kevin and solely Kevin. People say it was for us, but it wasn't, it was for Kevin." Paying tribute to Prendergast's stature in the racing community, Hayes concluded, "He's a legend around Kildare and a legend in the racing game and people were 10 deep around the winner's enclosure desperate to congratulate him. "When I got the news this morning I couldn't help but look back through some pictures from that day in the car. We had some phenomenal times together and today is a sad day." Shadwell's racing manager, Angus Gold, reflected on the loss saying: "It's the end of an era and he was one of the great men of my lifetime, we had some wonderful days together. "He was a huge character firstly, a consummate horseman and the horses invariably won best turned out. He was just a very good trainer. "It was spectacular to see Awtaad win the Guineas and then he had Madhmoon nearly win the Derby, which he took very phlegmatically. "The amount of stories he had, I used to love my mornings on the gallops with him. He knew what was going all around the world as he had daughters living abroad. "He'd seen it all, been there and done that. I went to see him about two months ago. He hadn't been very well last year but had made a remarkably recovery and was still sharp as a tack." Born in Australia on 5 July, 1932, Prendergast received his education in Ireland and then started his racing career down under, becoming head lad to top trainer Frank Dalton. After three years, he returned home to carve out a reputation as a leading amateur rider and began working alongside his father as an assistant trainer. In 1963, after five years, Prendergast decided to go it alone and he didn't have to wait long for his first success, with Zara winning at Phoenix Park in May of that year. His first Classic gold came in 1972 when Pidget won the Irish 1,000 Guineas, before adding the Irish St Leger to her achievements later that year. Prendergast then trained the likes of Conor Pass (1973) and Oscar Schindler (1996 and 1997) to win two more Irish Legers, while Arctique Royal gave him another 1,000 win and Northern Treasure secured his first Irish 2,000 Guineas in 1976. Top-drawer juveniles like La Collina, Miss Beatrix, Termagant and Kingsfort also add to the sense of longevity that Prendergast enjoyed in his career. One of the most consistent trainers in Ireland, Prendergast celebrated his 2,000th career winner in 2010. Not only was he an exceptional horse trainer, but he also worked with jockeys such as Hayes, Gary Halpin and Declan McDonogh. The legendary Kieren Fallon began his riding career with Prendergast, serving as an apprentice from 1982 to 1987 before moving on to become a six-time champion jockey.

Dublin Live

an hour ago

• Dublin Live

Gardai issue advice as thousands to descend on Dublin this weekend

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Gardai have urged people to contact them if they "feel unsafe" in Dublin this weekend as thousands are set to descend on Dublin. They have also urged people to plan their journeys well in advance as roads and public transport are set to be packed in the capital. Outside of regular duties this weekend, gardai will be assisting at: Three sold-out Zach Bryan concerts in the Phoenix Park (Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings) The British and Irish Lions v Argentina game at the Aviva Stadium (Friday evening) Four GAA matches in Croke Park (Saturday/Sunday afternoons) The sold out Mary Wallopers concert in Fairview Park (Friday evening) The sold-out Kingfishr concert in Fairview Park (Saturday evening) Two planned public gatherings in Dublin city centre (Sunday afternoon) Gardai have also advised people to anticipate rolling road closures, which will have a likely effect on public transport such as Luas and Dublin Bus services, during the two planned protests on Sunday afternoon. They say they will have its full traffic management plan in place to keep the disruption to a minimum. Assistant Commissioner for Dublin Paul Cleary said: "This weekend is packed with lots of activity and with the summer weather also looking promising, we look forward to helping to welcome thousands of people into Dublin to make the most of their weekend. We want you to enjoy yourselves if socialising or attending any one of the exciting sporting and music events happening in the city, but to please be mindful of others and how your behaviour may impact their experience. "This summer's public events would not be able to go ahead were it not for the Gardaí that will be working above and beyond this weekend and for the remainder of the summer to keep people safe. Should you feel unsafe or need our assistance in any way over the weekend, please contact us or stop anyone of us on our high-visibility patrols across the city, and in an emergency or immediate danger always dial 999/112." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.