To mark the release of 28 Years Later, the long-awaited return to Danny Boyle’s post-apocalyptic universe, seven ominous giant biohazard symbols have begun appearing across the North East of England, stopping early risers, dog walkers, and unsuspecting locals in their tracks.
Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer and Ralph Fiennes, 28 Years Later picks up the story of a Britain ravaged by viral collapse, returning audiences to a bleak yet beautiful North East, where the next terrifying chapter unfolds.
And Sony Pictures, in collaboration with VisitBritain and Destination North East England, have now launched a chilling warning of what’s to come, just ahead of the film’s UK premiere and its nationwide release this Thursday (19 June).
For fans of the 28 Days Later saga, the image is unmistakable: a chilling emblem of the Rage virus — a symbol of outbreak, contamination, and total societal collapse. The haunting projection has been spotted in locations including the dramatic cliffs of Tynemouth, the shadowed depths of Kielder Forest, and the eerie ruins of Arbeia Roman Fort, as well as filming locations.
Locals have warned that rumours of Rage virus “contaminations” are already spreading. Public warnings to “remain vigilant” are circulating online as sightings increase, fuelling the unsettling sense that this fictional contagion might be breaking through into the real world.
Visitors are being invited to follow in the footsteps of the new film’s cast and explore the cinematic backdrops of 28 Years Later — from the Holy Island of Lindisfarne to a recreated Sycamore Gap, all playing a role in the film’s desolate, rugged landscape. Screen tourism continues to be a major driver for UK travel, and VisitBritain’s latest research shows that more than 90% of potential visitors are interested in exploring filming locations during a trip.
Full list of locations:
- Raby Castle, County Durham
- Penshaw Monument, Sunderland
- Gibside Gateshead, Tyne and Wear (ruined hall used in the film)
- Kielder Forrest, Northumberland – Ruined East Farmhouse (used as the pub in the film)
- Newcastle Castle, Newcastle upon Tyne
- Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort, South Shields
- Tynemouth Priory and Castle, Tynemouth
Discover more on a trip to North East England… if you dare ahead of the release of 28 Years Later on Thursday.
About 28 Years Later
Academy Award®-winning director Danny Boyle and Academy Award®-nominated writer Alex Garland reunite for 28 Years Later, a terrifying new “auteur horror” story set in the world created by 28 Days Later. It’s been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.
Directed by Danny Boyle. Written by Alex Garland. Produced by Andrew Macdonald, Peter Rice, Bernard Bellew, Danny Boyle and Alex Garland. Serving as executive producer is Cillian Murphy. The film stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams and Ralph Fiennes.
Check out our review of “28 Years Later.“
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
