28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Stumbles at the Box Office
Touted as the franchise’s strongest entry, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple fell short of financial expectations in its opening days. Discover what may have led to its underperformance and what’s next for the series.
Anticipation was sky-high for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, with early buzz calling it the most impressive installment in the series. Yet, when the numbers rolled in, the film ’s opening weekend didn’t match the franchise ’s previous box office highs.
Opening Weekend Numbers Disappoint
According to industry reports, the movie brought in $13 million over its first three days, from January 16 to January 18. By the fourth day, the total had only climbed to $15 million. In comparison, its predecessor, released in 2025, managed to rake in $30 million during its initial weekend and $32 million over four days.
While these figures aren’t disastrous, they do fall short of what fans and analysts have come to expect from the series. The back-to-back release schedule—just months apart—may have contributed to the softer turnout, leaving audiences with little time to build anticipation between chapters.
Creative Changes and Critical Response
Another factor possibly affecting the turnout is the shift in creative leadership. The directorial reins passed from Danny Boyle to Nia DaCosta for this chapter. Some speculate that this change in vision may have influenced audience interest. Despite the lukewarm box office, critics have responded positively, with the film earning a 7.8/10 on IMDb and a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The cast, featuring Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, and Alfie Williams, has been praised for their performances. The film’s production under Columbia Pictures and its January 16, 2026 release date were expected to set it up for success, but the numbers tell a different story. Worldwide, the movie has grossed $31 million so far.
Plot Twists and Franchise Future
The story leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, ending with Dr. Kelson and the alpha-infected Samson. Kelson’s final act of compassion hints at a major turning point for the fate of the British Isles. Meanwhile, Spike survives the cult known as the Jimmys, led by Sir Jimmy Crystal, and appears to be heading toward a reunion with other survivors—possibly including Jim, played by Cillian Murphy.
Looking ahead, the next film—tentatively titled 28 Years Later: Part 3—promises to focus on the search for a cure and the resolution of the conflict with the Jimmys and the infected Alphas. Cillian Murphy’s character, who made a brief but pivotal appearance in The Bone Temple, is expected to play a larger role.
What Lies Ahead for the Series
With such a dramatic cliffhanger, fans are eager to see how the saga will conclude. However, the studio may need to pace the next release carefully to avoid franchise fatigue and give the story room to breathe. The hope is that the next chapter will not only satisfy longtime fans but also deliver a stronger box office performance.