’28 Years Later’ Starts Strong With $5.8 Million in Previews

The undead are back, and they’re kicking off their return with a bang. Sony’s ‘28 Years Later’ has pulled in a solid $5.8 million from Thursday night previews alone. For a horror sequel that’s coming back after years of silence, that’s a pretty loud opening.

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While ‘28 Years Later’ made headlines, Pixar’s latest animated movie ‘Elio’ had a quieter start. It earned $3 million in previews. But to be fair, ‘Elio’ is more of a family film, and families usually wait for the weekend to head to the theaters.

Projections say ‘28 Years Later’ could make $28 to $30 million in its opening weekend. If that happens, it would be the biggest debut ever for a movie in this franchise. That’s big news for fans who’ve waited years for a follow-up.

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‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Still on Top

Even with two new releases, it looks like Universal’s live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ remake will stay at number one. Last weekend, it made $84.6 million, and this weekend, it’s expected to bring in another $40 to $43 million.

The remake has already crossed $200 million in total earnings. It’s turning into one of the summer’s biggest hits.

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What Is ‘Elio’ About?

Pixar’s ‘Elio’ tells the story of a young boy who accidentally becomes Earth’s ambassador to aliens. It’s a sweet idea, packed with humor and wonder, but its performance at the box office will matter a lot.

The film cost $150 million to make, not counting marketing. Pixar has had recent ups and downs—‘Inside Out 2’ did well, but ‘Lightyear’ and ‘Elemental’ didn’t exactly shine. No one knows yet which way ‘Elio’ will go.

What’s the Story in ’28 Years Later’?

This new movie picks up years after the virus outbreak seen in ‘28 Days Later’ and ‘28 Weeks Later.’ A group of survivors has been living safely on an island. But they return to the mainland and find a new mutation of the virus waiting for them. Things go downhill quickly.

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Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Alfie Williams, and Ralph Fiennes lead the cast. Critics have mostly given it a thumbs up. The movie also sets up a new trilogy, which means more zombie madness is on the way.

The next movie in the series, ‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,’ is already set for release in 2026. A third film is also being planned, but how well the first one does in theaters will decide if that happens.

FAQs

Is ‘28 Years Later’ connected to the old movies?

Yes. It continues the story from ‘28 Days Later’ and ‘28 Weeks Later.’ It brings back the same tone, themes, and universe.

Will there be more movies after ‘28 Years Later’?

If the box office numbers stay strong, yes. The second movie is already finished, and a third is in early planning.

Why did ‘Elio’ have a slow start?

It’s a family movie, and those usually don’t do big preview numbers. Most families go to theaters over the weekend.

Who stars in ‘28 Years Later’?

The cast includes Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Alfie Williams, and Ralph Fiennes.

Is ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ beating both new releases?

Yes. Even in its second weekend, it’s expected to stay on top at the box office.