Danny Boyle’s "28 Years Later" Breaks Ground By Filming Entirely On iPhones

The Revival Of The 28 Days Later Franchise Redefines Cinematic Technology

Danny Boyle is once again redefining the rules of cinema with his upcoming revival of the 28 Days Later franchise, titled 28 Years Later. In a bold and innovative move, the entire $75 million-budget film was shot using modified iPhone 15s, making it the largest production to date filmed primarily on smartphones. This decision to use iPhones recalls Boyle’s penchant for experimenting with emerging technology, much like his original 2002 28 Days Later, which was partly shot with a Canon XL-1 MiniDV camcorder, a $4,000 prosumer camera at the time.

In a recent WIRED feature, it was revealed that Boyle and his frequent collaborator, cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle, shot the movie this past summer using “a bunch of adapted iPhone 15s.” Mantle, known for his work on Slumdog Millionaire and T2 Trainspotting, brings his expertise in blending raw, gritty cinematography with groundbreaking technology to this project. The shoot, which wrapped in August 2024, was kept mostly under wraps, but a paparazzi photograph caught a glimpse of long lenses attached to iPhones encased in aluminum cages. These rigs were later confirmed to be iPhone 15 Pro Max models, capable of shooting in 4K resolution with Apple ProRes video and a log color profile, giving the filmmakers access to cinematic-quality footage from a smartphone device.

What sets 28 Years Later apart from other films shot on iPhones, such as Sean Baker’s Tangerine and Steven Soderbergh’s Unsane, is its blockbuster scale and the advanced modifications used on set. While Tangerine and Unsane were praised for their creativity in low-budget, arthouse settings, Boyle’s new film represents a massive leap forward. Special adapters allowed full-frame DSLR lenses to be attached to the iPhone cameras, giving them the depth and clarity of traditional movie cameras. This equipment was crucial in maintaining the visual intensity that fans of the franchise expect. The use of action cams attached to farm animals for certain shots, dubbed "GoatPro" by the writers, further highlights the filmmakers' innovative approach to capturing unique perspectives.

With a cast featuring Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, Erin Kellyman, and Edvin Ryding, the star power behind 28 Years Later is undeniable. Notably, Cillian Murphy, who starred in the original 28 Days Later, makes a highly anticipated cameo, reprising his role and providing continuity to the post-apocalyptic horror saga.

The decision to shoot 28 Years Later with iPhones is not just a technological gimmick—it aligns with Boyle's original vision for the franchise. The first film, made on a shoestring budget of $8 million, embraced a gritty, handheld aesthetic that set it apart from the polished look of other zombie films. That film went on to earn $84.6 million globally, inspiring numerous imitators and sequels. Now, over two decades later, Boyle continues to challenge conventions, proving that creativity and technological advancement can go hand in hand, even on a major studio project.

The shift towards smartphone filmmaking also signals a larger trend in the industry. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, released last year, has been praised for its filmmaking capabilities, and its use in a major blockbuster like 28 Years Later could encourage more directors to explore smartphone technology for high-budget productions. As mobile devices become more sophisticated, they offer filmmakers unprecedented flexibility without sacrificing visual quality.

What makes 28 Years Later especially intriguing is the collaboration between Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland, who also co-wrote the original film. Garland has since become a powerhouse in the sci-fi and horror genres with works like Ex Machina and Annihilation. His return to the 28 franchise, combined with Boyle’s groundbreaking vision, suggests that this new trilogy will push the boundaries of both storytelling and filmmaking techniques.

In a world where digital filmmaking has become increasingly accessible, 28 Years Later is a testament to how far mobile technology has come—and how filmmakers like Boyle are leveraging it to create cinema that is not only visually stunning but also forward-thinking. The revival of the 28 Days Later franchise promises to deliver the same pulse-pounding intensity that fans have come to expect, but with a fresh, innovative twist that could shape the future of film production.

As the excitement builds for 28 Years Later, it's clear that this new installment will be more than just a return to the franchise's roots. It's also a glimpse into the future of how movies might be made—on the devices we carry in our pockets every day.

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Source: Dark Horizons

Photo Credit: 20th Century Studios