A $75 Million Blockbuster Filmed Using an iPhone

28 Years Later is an upcoming post-apocalyptic horror film directed by Danny Boyle, from a screenplay he co-wrote with Alex Garland. It is a sequel to 28 Days Later (2002) and 28 Weeks Later (2007), and the third installment overall in the 28 Days Later film series. Produced by Columbia Pictures in association with BFI, DNA Films, and Decibel Films, it marks the return of Boyle and Garland as director and writer after only acting as executive producers on the second film. Cillian Murphy reprises his role from 28 Days Later, starring alongside Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, Erin Kellyman, and Edvin Ryding. The main camera is the iPhone 15 Pro Max, as you can see in the BTS footage. But the rig is ultra-expensive.

The largest movie ever filmed using a smartphone

‘28 Years Later’ was filmed on an iPhone 15 Pro Max making history as the largest movie ever filmed using a smartphone. Principal photography began on May 7, 2024, in Northumberland, with Anthony Dod Mantle as the cinematographer. Filming wrapped on July 29. The film was shot using an iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, this was aided by many different, expensive attachments, very similar to what Apple did with the introduction of the iPhone 15 Pro Max (in the launching event Apple utilized a $20,000 rig paired with the iPhone 15 Pro Max). Hence, Danny Boyle joins top-notch directors who use smartphones to shoot expensive movies.

Nevertheless, this is the first time a blockbuster per definition has used a smartphone for the big screen. A marketing stunt by Apple? Or the true creative choice of a brave director? Anyway, let’s see how it goes in theaters. 28 Years Later is scheduled to be released in the United States and Canada by Sony Pictures Releasing on June 20, 2025.