Danny Boyle, known for his genre-defining films, has taken a bold step with his latest venture, 28 Years Later, the sequel to the cult classics 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later. What makes this project particularly groundbreaking is Boyle’s decision to shoot the entire film on an iPhone 15 Pro Max, making it the most expensive smartphone-shot film with a production budget of $75 million. This daring move reflects both the evolution of technology in cinema and Boyle’s relentless pursuit of innovation.
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The “28” Franchise: A Brief History
The 28 franchise began with 28 Days Later in 2002, a film that reimagined the zombie genre with its intense atmosphere and fresh take on survival horror. One of the film’s most striking features was Boyle’s use of digital filmmaking. At the time, using a Canon XL-1 camcorder was considered unusual for a feature-length film, but it helped create the gritty, raw visual style that became a hallmark of the movie. The film’s success led to the 2007 sequel, 28 Weeks Later, which expanded the story and further solidified its place in horror cinema.
Now, nearly two decades later, 28 Years Later aims to push the envelope once again, this time with the use of a smartphone as the primary filming tool.
Why Use an iPhone?
The decision to film 28 Years Later using an iPhone 15 Pro Max wasn’t just a gimmick—it was a calculated move that aligns with Boyle’s history of embracing new filmmaking technology. The iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts features that cater directly to professional filmmakers, such as the ability to shoot ProRes 4K video at 60 frames per second and support for ACES (Academy Color Encoding System), which allows for enhanced color grading during post-production. These advancements, along with the addition of professional-grade lenses, microphones, and other attachments, enabled Boyle and his crew to capture a cinematic look that could rival traditional film cameras.
The portability and flexibility of a smartphone camera also provided significant advantages. The compact size of the iPhone allowed the team to shoot from unique perspectives and angles that would have been difficult or impossible with conventional cameras.
Filming Process
Filming for 28 Years Later took place during the summer of 2024 under tight security. The crew was sworn to secrecy, and non-disclosure agreements were enforced to prevent leaks about the unconventional filming methods. However, observant fans and media caught glimpses of the unusual camera setup: iPhones encased in specialized aluminum rigs designed to hold professional cinema lenses. This was a clear indication that Boyle was once again pushing the limits of filmmaking technology.
A Star-Studded Cast
Bringing 28 Years Later to life is a talented cast led by Cillian Murphy, who reprises his role as Jim, the protagonist from the original film. He is joined by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, and Jack O’Connell, forming a stellar ensemble. The film’s plot continues the harrowing tale of a world devastated by a viral outbreak, focusing on the long-term effects on the survivors and their ongoing fight for survival.
Advantages of Shooting on an iPhone
Boyle’s decision to shoot on an iPhone 15 Pro Max came with several benefits. For one, the smaller, more mobile setup allowed for a greater range of movement and agility during filming. It also reduced overall production costs, despite the film’s $75 million budget, much of which was allocated to the high-profile cast, special effects, and marketing.
More importantly, the use of a smartphone enabled Boyle to experiment with new perspectives and filming techniques, proving that major films don’t always require massive, traditional camera setups. This shift is part of a broader trend in the film industry, where smartphones are increasingly being used for professional-grade film projects, driven by advancements in mobile camera technology.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the “28” Franchise
With 28 Years Later set to hit theaters on June 20, 2025, fans are eagerly awaiting the continuation of this iconic story. The film is also the first in a planned trilogy, with the next installment, 28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple, already in production under the direction of Nia DaCosta. Sony Pictures has secured the rights to distribute the trilogy after an intense bidding war, further emphasizing the high expectations surrounding this franchise revival.
