The first trailer for Danny Boyle's highly anticipated "28 Years Later" trilogy installment was released online last week, generating an extremely positive response. Some even hailed it as the trailer of the year. Deadline has now shared some astonishing statistics that shed light on its popularity.

Surprising Stats and Viewer Engagement

Not only did the intense teaser become the most watched horror trailer of 2024, with an impressive 60.2M global views, but it also secured the second-biggest trailer of all time, trailing only It Chapter Two with a whopping 146.1M global views. This remarkable achievement showcases the trailer's ability to capture the attention of audiences worldwide.The effectiveness of the trailer might be attributed to the curiosity it sparked surrounding a quick shot of an emaciated zombie. Fans speculated that this could be Cillian Murphy's character from the first movie, Jim. Given the significant time that has passed since the first film and the claim that the infected have "evolved," it was a reasonable theory. However, bringing an actor of Murphy's caliber and status back just to play a mindless monster would have been a rather odd choice.Moreover, a set photo of Murphy as a very much alive and human-looking Jim did the rounds when the film was shooting earlier this year. There was always a chance that this was for a flashback scene, adding to the mystery.At any rate, a crew member who worked on the film recently put an end to the speculation. Art dealer Angus Neill later revealed that it was actually another actor who played the zombie.

The Basic Premise and Official Synopsis

Star Ralph Fiennes revealed the basic premise during an interview with IndieWire earlier this year. The story centers around a young boy who is determined to find a doctor to help his dying mother. He leads his mother through the beautiful northern English terrain. However, around them, hiding in forests, hills, and woods, are the infected. But he manages to find a doctor who initially seems strange and odd but turns out to be a force for good.Sony's official synopsis provides further details. It's been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory. Still in a strictly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to survive among 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 not only mutated the infected but also other survivors.

The Production Team and Cast

Directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, "28 Years Later" is produced by Andrew Macdonald, Peter Rice, Bernard Bellew, Boyle, and Garland. Cillian Murphy serves as an executive producer. The cast also includes Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O'Connell, and Alfie Williams.With such a talented team and an intriguing story, the movie is set to hit theaters on June 20, 2025, promising to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience.