We were joined on the Popternative show by Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Nosferatu, Kraven the Hunter) and Jodie Comer (The Bikeriders, Killing Eve) who star in 28 Years Later, the third installment of the post-apocalyptic zombie horror franchise.
28 Days Later was first released in 2002, followed by its follow up, 28 Weeks Later, in 2007. Danny Boyle and Alex Garland reunite once again for 28 Years Later, which arrived in theaters on June 20. The cast also features Jack O’Connell (Sinners, Rogue Heroes), Alfie Williams (His Dark Materials), and Ralph Fiennes (Conclave, The Menu).
It’s been almost three decades since the virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and in 28 years Later, there is still an enforced quarantine with some having found ways to exist among the infected. One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.
On getting to read the script and then go to set, Jodie says, “A big element of this film was the infected and how they’d evolved and mutated. So, to read the script and see how they were described and trying to visualize that and then being on set with these incredible actors who spent hours in makeup every morning, and are in front of you, it was so amazing. And then to see the locations; you’re aware that the UK has been under a quarantine and it’s been isolated and is severely unpopulated, so it’s almost like this kind of Eden.”
Aaron adds, “The stakes are so much higher. For my character, he just wants to protect his son and this community that they’re in but he also wants to teach him the way of life and the way to survive in this. So, they go out on the mainland to do their first kills so that he can become a man. And it sort of unravels that there’s actually a lot more going on. There’s a real thirst for these kinds of movies because they instantly create that energy of fear and anticipation, suspense, and it’s very visceral. It’s great to be a part of for sure.”
Watch the full conversation with Aaron and Jodie below.
28 Years Later is playing in theaters.
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