Danny Boyle’s box office successes have taken a dramatic turn as his latest film, 28 Years Later, has surpassed all expectations by earning over five times the global box office of his earlier work, Trance. The new release, which recently soared past $100 million worldwide, underlines a remarkable comeback for the acclaimed director and highlights a renewed enthusiasm among audiences for his innovative filmmaking approach.
Box Office Triumph for ’28 Years Later’ After Past Disappointments
Following his Oscar-winning triumph with Slumdog Millionaire, Boyle briefly shifted direction for 127 Hours before returning to edgier projects. Trance, his neo-noir thriller starring James McAvoy, Rosario Dawson, and Vincent Cassel, failed to make a significant impact financially, closing out its run with just over $20 million in box office receipts worldwide—a sum that barely matched its production costs. Despite this underperformance, Trance developed a strong cult following, buoyed by passionate defenders and continued critical discourse.
The tide decisively turned with 28 Years Later, which has now generated $104 million globally. This figure dwarfs the lifetime earnings of Trance, illustrating an impressive resurgence for Boyle. The achievement is all the more significant considering Boyle’s reputation for pushing cinematic boundaries, a trait evident in his latest project as well as the earlier cult hit, 28 Days Later. Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Boyle’s filmmaking partner Anthony Dod Mantle returned to collaborate on 28 Years Later, which was uniquely filmed on iPhone 15s—a technique that nods to their early innovations with consumer camcorders in 28 Days Later.
Critical Response and Audience Reception Remain Divided
While critics have largely praised 28 Years Later, reflected in the film’s 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, audience reactions tell a more conflicted story, with the aggregator’s audience score landing at a more moderate 64%. In contrast, Trance garnered a 68% critical rating but remained polarizing among viewers and reviewers alike. Regarding Trance, Rotten Tomatoes says,
“As stylish as ever, director Danny Boyle seems to be treading water with the surprisingly thinly written Trance — but for fans of Boyle’s work, it should still prove a trippily entertaining distraction.”
—Rotten Tomatoes consensus
The mixed reception underscores Boyle’s pattern of crafting films that provoke strong emotional responses, even if they do not always enjoy unanimous acclaim. The director’s unpredictability—once seen as a risk—now appears to be a driver of ongoing interest and discussion about his work.
’28 Years Later’ Nears Second-Highest Spot Among Boyle Hits
With its current earnings, 28 Years Later is poised to become Danny Boyle’s second-biggest box office performer, trailing only Slumdog Millionaire, which took in nearly $400 million worldwide and swept the Best Director and Best Picture Oscars. To surpass his 2019 movie Yesterday, the latest installment needs to add roughly $50 million more in global grosses. This momentum has prompted plans for a sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which targets a January release and could pave the way for a trilogy conclusion if successful.
As the franchise expands, attention remains focused on Boyle’s evolving storytelling style, the visual flair provided by Anthony Dod Mantle’s cinematography, and dynamic performances from stars like Jodie Comer and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. With the director considering a return for a trilogy-capper should the next film succeed, Danny Boyle’s box office successes continue to shape conversations in both critical and commercial circles, promising further intrigue and innovation for audiences worldwide.
