28 Years Later Box Office Prediction: Will Sony’s Zombie Epic Shatter Franchise Records?

The 28 Years Later box office prediction is generating intense buzz as Sony Pictures gears up for the June 20, 2025, release of this long-awaited zombie sequel.

Directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, the third installment in the iconic franchise is poised to outperform its predecessors, with projections suggesting a record-breaking opening weekend.

Fueled by record-breaking presales and a star-studded cast including Jodie Comer and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, this article explores the latest box office forecasts and what they mean for the film’s success.

What Are the Opening Weekend Box Office Projections for 28 Years Later?

Projections for 28 Years Later’s opening weekend vary but point to a domestic haul between $28 million and $50 million. Deadline reports a conservative estimate of $28-$30 million domestically, with a global start of $56 million, including $28 million from international markets.

However, sources like Box Office Theory and The Hollywood Reporter suggest it could reach $40-$50 million in the U.S. alone, driven by unprecedented horror presales. ScreenRant notes a $34 million domestic projection, outpacing 2025 horror presales for films like Final Destination: Bloodlines.

These figures would mark the franchise’s biggest opening, surpassing 28 Days Later’s $10 million and 28 Weeks Later’s $9.8 million domestic debuts.

Why Is 28 Years Later Tracking So Strongly?

The 28 Years Later box office prediction is bolstered by several factors. The film’s trailer, which garnered 60.2 million global views in 24 hours, became 2024’s biggest horror trailer launch, outpacing A Quiet Place: Day One and Nosferatu.

Within 24 hours of ticket presales, it became 2025’s top horror ticket seller, surpassing Sinners and Final Destination: Bloodlines. The franchise’s cult status, combined with Boyle and Garland’s return, has fueled fan anticipation.

Posts on X reflect excitement, with users predicting $35.7-$55 million domestically, citing strong sentiment scores (7.1-7.9/10 on IMDb). The film’s $60-$75 million budget, while high for horror, is modest for a summer blockbuster, setting a break-even point around $150-$187.5 million.

How Does 28 Years Later Compare to Other 2025 Horror Films?

The 28 Years Later box office prediction outshines recent horror releases. Final Destination: Bloodlines opened to $51.6 million domestically, a benchmark 28 Years Later is expected to challenge or exceed.

Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, a 2025 hit, grossed $361.5 million worldwide, proving auteur horror’s appeal. Unlike family-friendly competitors like How to Train Your Dragon ($40 million second weekend) and Pixar’s Elio ($20-$30 million opening), 28 Years Later targets adult audiences, filling a horror gap in the market.

Its R-rated intensity and PLF (Premium Large Format) screenings at 3,300 theaters, starting with Thursday previews at 2,800 sites, enhance its earning potential.

What Challenges Could Impact 28 Years Later’s Box Office?

Despite strong projections, 28 Years Later faces hurdles. The zombie genre has been saturated by TV shows like The Last of Us and The Walking Dead, potentially capping mainstream appeal.

Competition from How to Train Your Dragon, expected to hold the top spot with $40-$48 million, could limit its domestic share. Reviews, embargoed until opening day, are critical, as negative feedback could temper walk-up sales.

Some X posts predict a lower $25-$31.15 million opening, reflecting skepticism about its ability to outshine family-friendly fare. The film’s $60-$75 million budget requires a global gross of at least $120-$187.5 million to profit, a high bar for a franchise whose prior entries never crossed $100 million.

What Factors Could Push 28 Years Later Beyond Projections?

The 28 Years Later box office prediction could see an upside if key elements align. Strong critical reception, with reviews dropping at 2 p.m. PT on June 18, 2025, could drive last-minute ticket sales.

The film’s cast, including Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes, adds star power, while Cillian Murphy’s executive producer role and confirmed return in the sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, heighten interest.

International markets, especially the UK and Europe, are expected to contribute significantly, with comps to Nosferatu ($26 million) and A Quiet Place: Day One ($32.6 million). Viral word-of-mouth, as seen with Sinners, could also boost its legs.

28 Years Later Box Office Projections: An Overview

How Will 28 Years Later Perform Long-Term?

While the 28 Years Later box office prediction focuses on its opening, long-term success hinges on word-of-mouth and repeat viewings. The franchise’s prior films grossed $82.78 million (28 Days Later) and $64.2 million (28 Weeks Later) worldwide, but 28 Years Later’s higher budget demands a global total of $120-$187.5 million to break even.

Its release timing, following family-oriented blockbusters, positions it well for adult audiences, and Sony’s confidence is evident with the sequel already filmed for January 2026. If it hits the high end of projections ($40-$50 million domestically), it could rival How to Train Your Dragon for the top spot.

Highlights of 28 Years Later Box Office Prediction  

• Domestic Opening Range: $28-$50 million (June 20-22, 2025).

• Global Opening: $56 million, with $28 million international.

• Presales: Biggest 2025 horror ticket seller, outpacing Sinners.

• Trailer Views: 60.2 million in 24 hours, top horror trailer of 2024.

• Budget: $60-$75 million, needing $120-$187.5 million to profit.

• Competitors: How to Train Your Dragon ($40-$48M), Elio ($20-$30M).

• Theaters: 3,300, with Thursday previews at 2,800 sites.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The 28 Years Later box office prediction signals a potential franchise record, with projections of $28-$50 million domestically and $56 million globally.

Danny Boyle’s return, a stellar cast, and record-breaking presales position this zombie epic for success, though competition and genre saturation pose risks.

As horror fans flock to theaters on June 20, 2025, 28 Years Later could redefine the franchise’s legacy. Follow the buzz on X and stay tuned for updates on whether it claims the box office crown.