28 Years Later Brings Back Iconic Music from Original

Godspeed You! Black Emperor's song returns in 28 Years Later with a rich history behind its inclusion.

28 Years Later Features Memorable Music Callback to 28 Days Later

28 Years Later has made a splash in the film world as it premiered in the 2025 movie schedule. This sequel not only impresses with its story but also rekindles a powerful musical moment from its predecessor, 28 Days Later. The haunting track "East Hastings" by Godspeed You! Black Emperor is featured again, adding depth to key scenes. Director Danny Boyle recalls how this same music was originally included in the first film's famous opening scene in London. He faced challenges convincing the band to allow its use back then, due to their suspicion of the film's studio. This time around, the process was much smoother, highlighting the evolution of both the film and its music relationship.

The inclusion of "East Hastings" in 28 Years Later indicates a growing acceptance of artistic collaboration in cinema. Unlike before, when the band's hesitation stemmed from ideology and studio reputation, now we see a shift that reflects changing dynamics in how independent artists perceive mainstream film entities. This could suggest that music's role in film is increasingly appreciated as a vital part of storytelling, rather than just a background element.

Highlights

This musical thread may continue to influence future collaborations in cinema.