In a groundbreaking move for Hollywood, acclaimed director Danny Boyle has shot his latest zombie thriller, 28 Years Later, entirely on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The decision marks the biggest budget film to ever be shot using smartphones, setting a new standard for cinematic technology. With a staggering $75 million budget, this long-awaited sequel to 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later aims to merge cutting-edge technology with a visceral horror narrative. Slated for release in June 2025, the film features an all-star cast, including Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes, with Boyle once again pushing the boundaries of modern filmmaking.

Why Shoot on an iPhone 15?

For many, the idea of shooting a blockbuster film with a smartphone might seem ludicrous, especially when high-end digital cameras are industry-standard. But for Boyle, the decision harkens back to the innovative techniques that defined 28 Days Later, which was shot on a Canon XL-1 digital camcorder—revolutionary at the time. Partnering again with Oscar-winning cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle, who worked with Boyle on Slumdog Millionaire, 28 Days Later, and other major films, Boyle saw the iPhone as an opportunity to create an authentic, gritty aesthetic while enhancing portability and efficiency on set.

Mantle explained, “The iPhone allows us to capture scenes more intimately, giving the audience a raw and immersive feel. It’s a full-circle moment, as we once pushed the boundaries of digital video, and now, we’re redefining cinema with smartphones.”

A New Era for Smartphone Filmmaking

While iPhone-shot films are not new—Steven Soderbergh’s Unsane (2018) and Sean Baker’s Tangerine (2015) were both shot on iPhones—28 Years Later is the largest production to date to employ smartphones for its principal photography. Boyle’s use of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, coupled with high-end DSLR lenses and adapters, aims to deliver the cinematic quality that audiences expect from a blockbuster film.

The choice to use the iPhone also offered logistical advantages, as it allowed the crew to film in tight spaces, maintain quick set-ups, and capture unique angles that traditional cameras would struggle to achieve. Boyle’s team even strapped iPhones to farm animals for certain scenes, showing the versatility of the technology.

The Plot and Star-Studded Cast

Details on the plot of 28 Years Later remain tightly under wraps, but fans of the series know that it’s likely to continue the exploration of the Rage virus, a brutal disease that transforms humans into fast, flesh-eating monsters. The film will follow the events of 28 Days Later, in which Cillian Murphy played a bicycle messenger who woke from a coma to discover a post-apocalyptic London overrun by the infected.

Though it’s not confirmed whether Murphy will return for the sequel, the cast includes some major heavyweights. Jodie Comer, fresh off her role in Killing Eve, stars alongside Aaron Taylor-Johnson, tipped as the next James Bond, and the always captivating Ralph Fiennes. As fans eagerly await plot details, many are already speculating how Boyle will further expand the 28 Days universe.

The Power of the iPhone 15 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is no ordinary smartphone. Apple’s latest flagship phone features 4K video capability, a log color profile, and the ability to shoot Apple ProRes video. The ProRes codec allows for greater flexibility in post-production editing, giving cinematographers more control over highlights, shadows, and overall tone. Mantle and Boyle also made use of Beastgrip’s adapters and DOF (Depth of Field) attachments, which enabled the use of DSLR lenses with the iPhone, offering the production a distinct cinematic look while maintaining the portability of a smartphone.

Apple’s involvement in the film didn’t stop with the cameras. The Cupertino tech giant reportedly provided extensive technical support throughout the production, eager to show off the iPhone’s filmmaking capabilities in a high-stakes Hollywood setting. With Apple’s recent push into the world of content creation—launching streaming services and supporting original productions—it’s likely that 28 Years Later will mark a major marketing moment for the company.

What’s Next for the Franchise?

Not only is 28 Years Later expected to be a major box office hit, but it’s also the first in a new trilogy, with director Nia DaCosta already helming the second film, 28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple. This reboot of the 28 Days universe, which helped redefine the modern zombie genre, will undoubtedly thrill fans and potentially create a new generation of enthusiasts.

As Boyle continues to push technological boundaries, the use of iPhone technology in high-budget filmmaking may become more common. Whether this trend will lead to widespread smartphone use in Hollywood remains to be seen, but for now, 28 Years Later has positioned itself as a pioneer in the evolution of cinematic storytelling.

A Revolution in Filmmaking?

28 Years Later is more than just a zombie flick—it represents a bold step forward in filmmaking. By choosing the iPhone 15 Pro Max as his primary camera, Danny Boyle has merged the world of high-end cinema with the accessibility of smartphones. As audiences await the release of this new chapter in the 28 Days franchise, it’s clear that Boyle’s vision continues to challenge norms and reshape what’s possible in modern cinema.

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