A staggering revelation has emerged regarding Danny Boyle’s latest endeavor, 28 Years Later, sparking intrigue across the industry. The highly anticipated film was uniquely shot entirely on an iPhone 15, marking a groundbreaking milestone in modern filmmaking. With a production budget soaring to an impressive $75 million, this monumental project now holds the distinction of being the most expensive film ever captured on a smartphone.
Boyle, ever the visionary, worked alongside his trusted cinematographer, Anthony Dod Mantle, whose illustrious work on Slumdog Millionaire, 28 Days Later, Trainspotting, and 127 Hours has cemented his place in cinematic history. The duo, renowned for pushing the boundaries of conventional filmmaking, has once again redefined expectations by leveraging smartphone technology for a major motion picture.
Principal photography concluded in August, but in an extraordinary twist, cast and crew were bound by stringent non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), forbidding them from divulging the fact that 28 Years Later was shot using iPhones. However, today, WIRED confirmed the use of the iPhone 15 through several insiders linked to the production. The secrecy has only added to the film’s mystique, fueling anticipation ahead of its release.
It’s worth noting that Boyle has always been an early adopter of digital filmmaking. His 2002 cult classic, 28 Days Later, was one of the first feature films shot with a Canon XL-1, heralding the shift from film to digital in Hollywood. In the years since, digital has become the preferred format for countless filmmakers, with Boyle once again standing at the forefront of this technological evolution.
While a few independent films have previously utilized iPhones for filming—most notably Sean Baker’s Tangerine (2015) and Steven Soderbergh’s Unsane (2018)—those productions operated on shoestring budgets, a far cry from the lavish investment behind 28 Years Later. Boyle’s film stands as a testament to how far smartphone technology has come, challenging perceptions of what devices like the iPhone can achieve in the hands of masterful creatives.
The cast of 28 Years Later promises a stellar ensemble, with celebrated actors Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, and Charlie Hunnam set to star. Meanwhile, Cillian Murphy, who headlined the original film, is said to make a brief but memorable appearance in the sequel. As for the storyline, plot details remain firmly under wraps, further heightening curiosity. Nia DaCosta, the accomplished filmmaker behind Candyman (2021), is currently filming the follow-up titled 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, adding yet another layer of excitement to the expanding franchise.
Earlier this year, a fierce bidding war ensued, with Sony emerging victorious, securing the rights to Boyle’s 28 Years Later trilogy. Written by frequent Boyle collaborator Alex Garland, this trilogy became one of the most sought-after projects in Hollywood, with major studios like Warner Bros. also vying for the rights. Ultimately, Sony’s triumphant bid means the studio will produce and distribute the highly anticipated trilogy, further cementing its position in the industry.
Boyle’s previous directorial effort, 2019’s Yesterday, a lighthearted Beatles-inspired romantic comedy, was a notable departure from his typically dark and gritty narrative style. With 28 Years Later, he appears poised to return to his roots, rekindling the raw, visceral energy that defined his earlier works while embracing the cutting-edge technology of today. This audacious fusion of innovation and tradition makes 28 Years Later one of the most eagerly awaited films in recent memory.