North East Screen, Destination North East England and the North East Combined Authority, announced today, that there will be a North East Gala screening of 28 YEARS LATER on Thursday, June 19th, 2025 hosted at the iconic Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle.

The gala screening will be attended by the film’s director Danny Boyle and Newcastle-native actor Alfie Williams, who makes his feature film debut in 28 Years Later. The gala screening will also be attended by North East crew, extras and location providers involved in the film's production.

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.

Columbia Pictures presents 28 YEARS LATER. The film stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams and Ralph Fiennes. Directed By Danny Boyle. Written by Alex Garland. Produced by Andrew Macdonald, Peter Rice, Bernard Bellew, Danny Boyle, Alex Garland. Executive producer is Cillian Murphy. The director of photography is Anthony Dod Mantle ASC, BSC, DFF. The editor is Jon Harris. Production & costume designers are Gareth Pugh and Carson McColl. Music by Young Fathers. Casting by Gail Stevens CDG and Rebecca Farhall.

Kim McGuiness, North East Mayor said,

“The North East Gala Screening will be one of the largest screen events held in the North East for some time. The film will have wide global reach and we are proud that people will see the North East as the stunning backdrop to this film as well as see the work of our world class talented crew, suppliers and facilities. The North East welcomes more filming and 28 Years Later proves we can be a home for world class film and TV production creating more jobs for local people.”

Ian Thomas, Chief Operating Officer of NewcastleGateshead Initiative on behalf of Destination North East England said:

"To have such a massive blockbuster as 28 Years Later both be set and filmed in the region is fantastic, shining a spotlight on our tranquil countryside, dramatic coastlines and vibrant towns and cities to cinema goers around the world. It will be a huge draw for visitors eager to explore our stunning landscapes and walk in the footsteps of the film's stars. Alongside a multi-channel tourism campaign we're delivering in partnership with Visit Britain and Sony Pictures, we're proud to support the regional gala screening, a huge coup for the city, and to welcome the film's director and passionate advocate for Northern England Danny Boyle back to the area to unleash the latest instalment on the viewing public! Visit North East England... if you dare!"

Gayle Woodruffe, Operations Director at North East Screen commented,

“We are delighted to welcome Danny, Alfie and so many of our amazingly talented North East Crew to this special preview screening of 28 Years Later, made right here in the North East. The team made excellent use of the diversity and versatility of locations available in our region and the film promotes the North East of England as a viable home for major feature films and HETV drama.”

Patricia Yates, CEO VisitBritain said:

“The North East Gala Screening will truly put Newcastle and the North East centre-stage. With the starring role destinations across the region have played in the film there could not be a more fitting place to host a screening, inspiring visitors to go out and explore the locations seen on screen. It is also timely as VisitBritain rolls out its international 'Starring GREAT Britain campaign'. Using films and TV shows as the hook the campaign is telling the story of our dynamic and diverse destinations including the North East, encouraging people to put themselves in the picture and book a trip to Britain right now, driving visitor spending into local economies."