The announcement of a long-awaited sequel to the iconic zombie horror film, “28 Days Later,” has stirred anticipation, especially considering the impressive team behind it—director Danny Boyle, writer Alex Garland, and actor Cillian Murphy. What makes this sequel particularly intriguing is that the talents involved, all of whom have established successful careers, don’t necessarily need to return for a follow-up. Often, when filmmakers and actors revisit a past success, it can feel like a nostalgia-driven farewell tour, a final hurrah before retirement or a way to cash in on past glory.

In the case of Boyle, while his recent works may not have reached the heights of “Slumdog Millionaire” or “Trainspotting,” he remains a highly acclaimed British filmmaker. Garland, known for creating genre-defining films like “Ex-Machina” and “Annihilation,” has become a respected figure in the realm of genre cinema. Murphy, who might also take on a role in the sequel, is riding high on the success of “Oppenheimer,” a film that garnered multiple Oscar nominations. Their involvement suggests that there must be a compelling and unique reason for returning to the “28 Days Later” universe after decades have passed since the original film’s groundbreaking success.