The 28 Days Later franchise, known for its harrowing depiction of a Britain ravaged by the Rage Virus, is set to continue with its third installment, 28 Years Later, scheduled for release in 2025. Although fans anticipated Jeremy Renner‘s return as the doomed sniper Doyle, the actor does not appear in the new film, which instead introduces a fresh cast and features a character who parodies Doyle’s role.
After a long hiatus following 2007’s 28 Weeks Later—which depicted a failed attempt to repopulate the UK after the virus outbreak—the franchise returns with a story centered on a young boy raised on a secluded island, uncovering dark truths about his family and the wider infected world. This new chapter represents both a continuation and a reinvention of the series, revisiting past themes while delivering unexpected twists.
A New Soldier Figure Echoes Doyle‘s Role in 28 Years Later
In 28 Years Later, the character of Erik, portrayed by Edvin Ryding, serves as a clear parody of Jeremy Renner’s Doyle from the 2007 sequel. Both Erik and Doyle are blond soldiers deployed by NATO missions who become stranded when the situation collapses. They survive alone after their units are wiped out and wield similar assault rifles. Additionally, both encounter the main protagonists shortly after saving them from attacks by the infected.
However, despite these surface similarities, Erik and Doyle diverge dramatically in their personalities. Doyle is portrayed as a compassionate and brave individual who abandons his post to protect two lost children, ultimately sacrificing himself by being incinerated by flamethrowers to enable the others’ escape. Erik, contrastingly, acts selfishly and cowardly, rescuing only Spike (Alfie Williams) and his mother Isla (Jodie Comer) as a means to secure his own survival. His willingness to threaten Spike and Isla rather than protect them further highlights his self-centered nature.
Though Erik has valid reasons for his anger and desperation—he is stranded in England with no way out—his abrasive demeanor and fear make him unlikeable, especially when compared to Doyle’s resilient and hopeful outlook, who maintained a sense of humor even in bleak situations.
Alex Garland’s Desire to Bring Back Jeremy Renner’s Character
Screenwriter Alex Garland, who was significantly involved in the original 28 Days Later but less so in 28 Weeks Later, expressed a fondness for Jeremy Renner’s performance as Doyle. In an interview with ComicBook.com, Garland described Renner as a pleasure to work with, praising both the actor’s presence on set and his portrayal of the character.
“It’s great engaging [with Renner] just as an actor. I just always really, really like watching him, and I remember him in that film. He was just like a pleasure to have around on set. But I also think what he put on screen was awesome.” —Alex Garland, Screenwriter
Given Renner’s talent and the skills he displayed in 28 Weeks Later, where his brief but impactful role left a lasting impression, many expected him to return for 28 Years Later. Additionally, Renner’s association with archery through his role as Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe would have fit seamlessly into a story where survivors rely on bows and arrows for defense.
Nevertheless, Doyle’s death in 28 Weeks Later was definitive and brutal, involving both flamethrower immolation and exposure to nerve gas, making his return narratively implausible without undoing significant plot points. Garland acknowledged this difficulty but nevertheless expressed admiration for the character and actor.
How 28 Years Later Subverts Audience Expectations
The depiction of Erik and other narrative choices in 28 Years Later emphasize the film’s inclination to subvert traditional sequel formulas. Unlike Doyle’s heroic sacrifice, Erik meets a gruesome end shortly after aggressive attempts against a baby born to an infected mother. He dies violently when an Alpha infected pulls his head off, illustrating the harsh unpredictability of this world.
Director and screenwriter Alex Garland designed the film to deliberately mislead audiences about its direction. Early plot devices suggest Spike as a naive new arrival who, like Jim from the first film, undertakes a perilous journey to find a rumored safe haven. Meanwhile, initial focus on other characters, such as Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and the ominous Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), misguides viewers. Dr. Kelson was positioned to resemble a sinister figure akin to Colonel Kurtz, yet the story twists expectations once again when he is introduced.
Erik’s character serves as a darkly humorous inversion of Doyle. Rather than being a trustworthy guardian, Erik is an inept and selfish individual whose actions lead to his downfall. This approach challenges viewers’ assumptions and keeps the narrative fresh and tense, reinforcing the franchise’s reputation for unsettling and unpredictable storytelling.
The Continuing Legacy of the 28 Days Later Series
The 28 Days Later franchise remains a landmark in British post-apocalyptic horror, beginning with Danny Boyle’s 2002 original and continuing with 28 Weeks Later in 2007. Both films explore the devastation wrought by the Rage Virus and focus on the struggles of survivors in a hostile and infected environment.
With 28 Years Later, the series enters a new phase, promising to expand its mythology and deepen its examination of a world irreversibly changed by the virus outbreak. The film follows survivors living isolated on an island nearly thirty years after the initial catastrophe, revealing new threats both from the infected and among other human factions. The scale and scope of the story suggest a bold evolution for the franchise designed to engage both longtime fans and newcomers.
The absence of returning characters such as Cillian Murphy‘s Jim and Jeremy Renner’s Doyle may initially disappoint some viewers, but the introduction of new protagonists like Spike, Isla, Erik, and others ensures a fresh dynamic while maintaining thematic continuity. The film’s mix of horror, suspense, and unexpected humor is poised to deliver a tense and emotionally resonant experience.
As 28 Years Later approaches its release on June 20, 2025, anticipation is high for how it will balance respect for the franchise’s roots with innovative storytelling. Alex Garland’s involvement as a writer continues to provide creative assurance that the film will uphold the series’ legacy of thoughtful, unsettling narratives.
