Alex Garland Reveals Influence of Resident Evil on 28 Days Later

LOS ANGELES, CA — Alex Garland, the writer behind the acclaimed horror film 28 Days Later, recently detailed how the iconic video game Resident Evil significantly influenced his approach to the zombie genre. In a candid interview, Garland discussed his passion for zombie films and how gaming shaped his creative vision.

In a conversation focused on 28 Days Later’s groundbreaking impact on horror cinema, Garland recalled his experience with Resident Evil, a franchise that has captured the hearts of gamers since its release on PlayStation. He acknowledged that while zombies had populated films for decades, he sought to revive their fright factor by introducing an element of speed.

“Not long before writing 28 Days Later, there was a game on PlayStation [called] Resident Evil,” Garland stated. “It reminded me how much I loved zombie movies, and I thought, ‘I love those, but there hasn’t been one for ages.’” He noted that as he became more skilled at the game, he realized the traditional slow-moving zombies were less intimidating. Instead, it was the fast-moving zombie dogs that truly frightened him.

“The dogs moved really quickly and would give me a jump sometimes, and I think that was the thing that gave the idea of a zombie movie where the zombies move quickly,” he explained. By drawing on these experiences, Garland redefined zombies, presenting them as agile predators that terrified audiences.

28 Days Later, which debuted in 2002, became a critical and commercial success. It not only revolutionized the portrayal of zombies in cinema but also inspired a sequel, 28 Weeks Later, and a planned continuation of the franchise. The second film, titled 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, is slated for release in early 2026.

Garland’s unique vision for the series continues to evolve, promising new interpretations of the undead and fresh fears for viewers. This trilogy will take place nearly three decades after the original, allowing for intriguing developments in the story and character arcs within the zombie apocalypse.

In addition to his work on 28 Days Later, Garland’s influence on the horror genre remains significant as he embarks on new projects. Fans are eagerly anticipating the release of another Resident Evil film that is also in development, coinciding with this new trilogy. Set to launch in September 2026, little information about the project has been released, but industry rumors suggest it will stay true to the essence of Capcom’s video game series.

Overall, Garland’s insights reveal the interconnectedness of gaming and film, particularly in the realm of horror. By leveraging his experiences as a gamer, he has helped reshape how audiences perceive and relate to the concept of zombies on-screen.