Almost two decades after its theatrical debut, 28 Weeks Later has clawed its way back into the spotlight, surging to number two on Hulu’s streaming charts, per slashfilm.com. The 2007 zombie thriller, starring Jeremy Renner and Idris Elba, has captured fresh attention as fans gear up for the long-awaited third installment, 28 Years Later, dropping June 20.
Disney’s strategic move to add the film to Hulu’s catalogue on June 1 has paid off handsomely. The movie debuted at second place on June 3 and maintained its position for two consecutive days before settling at seventh place. With anticipation building for the franchise’s return, another surge seems likely.
The sequel to Danny Boyle’s acclaimed 28 Days Later transported viewers to a post-apocalyptic London where NATO forces attempt to establish a safe zone. When two siblings accidentally reintroduce the deadly Rage Virus, chaos erupts once again.
Director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo crafted a standalone story that earned $64.2 million against its modest $15 million budget.
Critics praised the film’s brutal intensity and smart execution. Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune called it “swift, vicious, and grimly imaginative,” while The New York Times’ A.O. Scott described it as “bracingly smart” and “almost exhaustingly terrifying.” The movie currently holds a solid 72% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The streaming success reflects broader trends where older franchise entries experience renewed popularity ahead of new releases. Horror fans recently demonstrated similar behaviour with Final Destination movies surging on HBO Max before Final Destination Bloodlines premiered.
•Featured image courtesy 20th Century Studios
