The highly-anticipated Hollywood movie, 28 Years Later, is breaking new grounds in filmmaking by using Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max as its principal camera. This move to shoot a high-profile blockbuster with a smartphone is unprecedented, although iPhones have been utilized in smaller productions and low-budget films before.
Apple’s top-tier iPhones have traditionally been acclaimed for their videography capabilities by both consumers and film critics. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, for instance, recently clinched the top spot in DxOMark’s videography performance rankings, earning accolades as the best video camera on any smartphone available today.
The buzz around 28 Years Later, the follow-up to the acclaimed ’28 Weeks Later’, is further amplified by an insightful report by WIRED. The movie, capturing the essence of its predecessors while embracing modern technology, has opted to employ the iPhone 15 Pro Max, supported by additional equipment and attachments, as its main filming device.
Using an iPhone for such a major production is not entirely out of character for Apple, which had previously showcased the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s prowess during their ‘Scary Fast’ Mac event last fall. However, the transition of the device from covering promotional events to being the core camera for an entire Hollywood film is significant. It marks a monumental achievement for smartphone technology, proving its capability in high-end filmmaking.
Interestingly, this choice of equipment pays homage to the original 2002 film 28 Days Later, which was famously shot with portable camcorders rather than traditional cinema cameras. This approach was due to constraints related to time and space. By selecting the iPhone 15 Pro Max for the latest installment, the filmmakers create a poetic link to the franchise’s origins, maintaining the spirit of innovation and adaptability.
Anticipation for the 28 Years Later film is soaring, especially with the remarkable pedigree attached to the project. The film is directed by Oscar-winner Danny Boyle and set for release on June 20, 2025. Additionally, the return of Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy to the franchise has fans ecstatic. Behind the camera, the esteemed Anthony Dod Mantle, also an Oscar winner, will handle cinematography, promising a visually striking masterpiece.
With this pioneering approach, the film industry is poised to witness an exciting evolution in how movies are crafted, potentially democratizing filmmaking by showcasing the power of modern smartphones.
