View source for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple


{{For|the previous film|28 Years Later}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2026}}

{{Infobox film
| image          = 28 Years Later, The Bone Temple poster.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director       = [[Nia DaCosta]]
| writer         = [[Alex Garland]]
| producer       = {{Plainlist|
* [[Andrew Macdonald (producer)|Andrew Macdonald]]
* [[Peter Rice (executive)|Peter Rice]]
* Bernie Bellew
* [[Danny Boyle]]
* Alex Garland
}}
| starring       = {{Plainlist|
* [[Ralph Fiennes]]
* [[Jack O'Connell (actor)|Jack O'Connell]]
* [[Alfie Williams]]
* [[Erin Kellyman]]
* [[Chi Lewis-Parry]]
}}
| cinematography = [[Sean Bobbitt]]
| music          = [[Hildur Guðnadóttir]]<ref name="FMRBoneTempleScore" />
| editing        = [[Jake Roberts (film editor)|Jake Roberts]]
| studio         = {{plainlist|
* [[Columbia Pictures]]
* Decibel Films
* [[DNA Films]]
}}
| distributor    = [[Sony Pictures Releasing]]
| released       = {{Film date|df=y|2026|01|13|United Kingdom|2026|01|16|United States}}
| runtime        = 109 minutes<ref>{{Cite web|date=December 8, 2025|title=''28 Years Later: The Bone Temple'' (18)|url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/28-years-later-the-bone-temple-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmdm0ntmy|access-date=December 16, 2025 |website=[[British Board of Film Classification|BBFC]]|archive-date=January 16, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260116182448/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/28-years-later-the-bone-temple-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmdm0ntmy|url-status=live}}</ref>
| country        = {{Plainlist|
* United Kingdom
* United States
}}
| language       = English
| budget         = $63 million<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 13, 2026|title='28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' To Scare Off Na'vi From No. 1 With $20M+ MLK Opening – Box Office Preview |url=https://deadline.com/2026/01/28-years-later-bone-temple-box-office-projection-1236658187/|access-date=January 13, 2026 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]|archive-date=January 13, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260113200750/https://deadline.com/2026/01/28-years-later-bone-temple-box-office-projection-1236658187|url-status=live}}</ref>
| gross          = $57.6 million<ref>{{Cite web |title=28 Years Later: The Bone Temple |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt32141377/ |access-date=2026-02-18 |website=Box Office Mojo|archive-date=December 20, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251220083149/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt32141377/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NUM" />
}}

'''''28 Years Later: The Bone Temple''''' is a 2026 [[post-apocalyptic]] [[horror film]] directed by [[Nia DaCosta]] and written by [[Alex Garland]]. It is the fourth instalment in the [[28 Days Later (film series)|''28 Days Later'' film series]], and was shot [[Back-to-back film production|back-to-back]] with its predecessor, ''[[28 Years Later]]'' (2025). It stars [[Ralph Fiennes]], [[Jack O'Connell (actor)|Jack O'Connell]], [[Alfie Williams]], [[Erin Kellyman]], and [[Chi Lewis-Parry]].

''The Bone Temple'' was released by [[Sony Pictures Releasing]] through its [[Columbia Pictures]] label in the United Kingdom on 13 January 2026, as part of a [[Double feature|double bill]] with ''28 Years Later''. It received a separate release the following day and was released in the United States on 16 January. The film received positive reviews and grossed $57.6 million worldwide against a $63 million budget.

==Plot== <!--
<!-- Per WP:FILMPLOT, plot summaries for feature films should be between 400 to 700 words, excluding notes. Please check the word count before making any additions. Word count: 689 (27 January 2026) -->
After being rescued by the Fingers, a gang of fighters led by the zealous [[Satanism|Satanist]] [[Jimmy Crystal|"Sir Lord" Jimmy Crystal]],{{Efn|As depicted in ''[[28 Years Later]]'' (2025)}} Spike is forced to kill Jimmy Shite in a death match as an initiation. Sir Jimmy renames the young boy "Jimmy" to match the other Fingers, who include the more empathetic Jimmy Ink and the sadistic Jimmima.

Dr Ian Kelson continues to build up the Bone Temple, an [[ossuary]] for those killed in the rage virus epidemic, while the Alpha Infected, [[Samson (28 Days Later)|Samson]], repeatedly visits him. Kelson deduces that Samson is becoming addicted to the [[morphine]] from his [[blowgun]], deliberately allowing himself to be drugged. Samson no longer attacks Kelson, and the two develop a friendship as his humanity begins to resurface. Running low on sedatives, Kelson prepares to euthanise Samson, but is overjoyed to observe him articulating the word "moon", suggesting that the rage virus may be treatable.

The Fingers raid a farm inhabited by survivors, including Tom and his pregnant partner, Cathy. Crystal sends Jimmy Ink to scout the surrounding area where she catches sight of the Bone Temple, Samson and Dr Kelson whose skin is covered in iodine solution, which he wears to protect himself from the virus. In a barn, Cathy hides as Sir Jimmy orders the Fingers to [[flaying|skin]] the captured survivors alive as a sacrifice to [[Devil in Christianity|Old Nick]], claiming that Satan is his father and speaks to him. 

Spike goes outside, sickened. Jimmy Ink, who has returned and is growing disillusioned with Sir Jimmy, takes pity on him. Sir Jimmy offers Tom a place in the gang if he can win a death match against a Finger, but Tom is quickly outmatched by his chosen opponent, Jimmima. Cathy breaks her cover to kill Jimmima. Tom sets the barn on fire with a gas tank, killing Jimmy Jimmy and burning several others before being killed himself. Sir Jimmy sends Spike to capture Cathy; Spike, traumatised, begs her to take him with her instead. Cathy incapacitates him and escapes.

With the gang's numbers and morale low, Sir Jimmy threatens to kill Spike for his failure to capture Cathy, but Ink suggests that they visit Kelson—whom she assumes is Old Nick, having mistaken the iodine solution for reddened skin and seen his interactions with the ‘demon’ Samson—and let him decide Spike's fate. Sir Jimmy leads the gang to the Bone Temple, where he meets Kelson alone. Upon discovering Kelson is not Satan, Sir Jimmy threatens to kill him if he does not pose as Satan and substantiate Sir Jimmy's leadership over the Fingers.

The next morning, Spike tries to leave Sir Jimmy's camp, but is confronted by Jimmy Fox, who attempts to kill him to avenge Jimmy Shite's death. Ink intervenes and kills Fox. She brings Spike back, claiming to Sir Jimmy that Fox fled out of fear of Satan and she was forced to kill him in self-defence. Kelson fears that his research on Samson will be cut short and, in a premature attempt to grant him peace, administers him a cocktail of [[antipsychotics]] and other drugs, hypothesising that the rage virus causes aggression indirectly via psychotic hallucinations. Experiencing some clarity, Samson visits the abandoned train where he was infected and hallucinates a childhood memory of a conductor asking for his ticket. After he is once again able to articulate speech, a nearby pack of infected attack him as if he were uninfected.

That night, Kelson complies with Sir Jimmy's demands, impersonating Satan in a pyrotechnic-filled performance of [[Iron Maiden]]'s "[[The Number of the Beast (song)|The Number of the Beast]]" while exposing the gang to hallucinogens. Upon recognising Spike, Kelson betrays Sir Jimmy by ordering the Fingers to [[crucify]] him. As Ink turns on him, Sir Jimmy fatally stabs Kelson in desperation, and Ink is forced to fight and kill Jimmy Snake and Jimmy Jones. Spike then stabs Sir Jimmy in the side, before comforting the dying Kelson as Ink crucifies Sir Jimmy on an [[inverted cross]]. Spike and Ink—who reveals her real name to be Kellie—leave for the wilderness. Samson arrives, and is taken to be Satan by Sir Jimmy. He greets Kelson by name and thanks him as Kelson succumbs to his wounds, subsequently carrying his body away. Sir Jimmy is attacked by an unseen figure.

Some time later, Spike and Kellie are attempting to escape a group of infected, unaware that they are being observed by [[Jim (28 Days Later)|Jim]]{{Efn|The protagonist of ''[[28 Days Later]]'' (2002), shown living in the cottage from the ending of that film}} and his teenage daughter Sam, who break off a history lesson about [[Aftermath of World War II|postwar Europe]] to go to their aid.

==Cast==
{{Multiple image
| perrow            = 2/2
| total_width       = 250
| image1            = Ralph Fiennes 2024.jpg
| image2            = Jack O'Connell Cannes 2016.jpg
| image3            = Cillian Murphy Press Conference The Party Berlinale 2017 02cr.jpg
| image4            = Alfie Williams.webp
| footer            = Clockwise from top left: [[Ralph Fiennes]], [[Jack O'Connell (actor)|Jack O'Connell]], and [[Alfie Williams]] return from ''28 Years Later'', while [[Cillian Murphy]] returns from ''28 Days Later''.
}}
* [[Ralph Fiennes]] as Dr Ian Kelson, a former [[General practitioner|GP]] dedicated to memorialising the victims of the epidemic.
* [[Jack O'Connell (actor)|Jack O'Connell]] as [[Jimmy Crystal (28 Days Later)|Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal]], a psychopathic gang leader who styles himself after [[Jimmy Savile]] and his gang after [[The Teletubbies]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jack O'Connell |url=https://www.conwayvangeldergrant.com/actors/jack-oconnell/ |access-date=2025-01-15 |website=Conway Van Gelder Grant}}</ref>
* [[Alfie Williams]] as Spike, a teenager who is on a personal quest on the mainland.
* [[Erin Kellyman]] as Jimmy Ink / Kellie, one of the Fingers, who befriends Spike.
* [[Chi Lewis-Parry]] as '[[Samson (28 Days Later)|Samson]]', a physically imposing Alpha leader of the infected.
* [[Emma Laird]] as Jimmima, a sadistic member of the Fingers.
* [[Sam Locke (actor)|Sam Locke]] as Jimmy Fox, one of the Fingers who is close with Jimmy Shite.<ref name=hrepoter/>
* Robert Rhodes as Jimmy Jimmy, a scarred member of the Fingers.
* Ghazi Al Ruffai as Jimmy Snake, a skinny member of the Fingers.<ref name=hrepoter>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/28-years-later-bone-temple-first-reactions-1236446299/|last=Rahman|first=Abid|title='28 Years Later: The Bone Temple': First Reactions|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=9 December 2025|access-date=17 December 2025|archive-date=10 December 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251210045443/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/28-years-later-bone-temple-first-reactions-1236446299/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Maura Bird as Jimmy Jones, a non-binary member of the Fingers.
* Connor Newall as Jimmy Shite, a large member of the Fingers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Travis |title=Things Get Barbaric In The 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Trailer |url=https://bluntmag.com.au/news/things-get-barbaric-in-the-28-years-later-the-bone-temple-trailer/ |access-date=17 January 2026 |work=[[Blunt Magazine]] |date=5 September 2025|archive-date=19 September 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250919044958/https://bluntmag.com.au/news/things-get-barbaric-in-the-28-years-later-the-bone-temple-trailer/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Louis Ashbourne Serkis]] as Tom, a male survivor.
* [[Mirren Mack]] as Cathy, a pregnant survivor.
* [[David Sterne]] as George, a male survivor.

[[Cillian Murphy]] makes an uncredited appearance as Jim, a former bicycle courier and survivor of the original outbreak. Murphy reprises his role from ''[[28 Days Later]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guerrasio|first=Jason|title=Danny Boyle confirms Cillian Murphy will appear in the "28 Years Later" sequel| url=https://www.businessinsider.com/cillian-murphy-appears-in-28-years-later-sequel-bone-temple-2025-6 |access-date=2025-06-03 | website=[[Business Insider]]|archive-date=3 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250603150745/https://www.businessinsider.com/cillian-murphy-appears-in-28-years-later-sequel-bone-temple-2025-6|url-status=live}}</ref> with his appearance in ''The Bone Temple''{{'}}s ending serving as his character's reintroduction which sets up the planned fifth film.<ref name="MurphyObserver">{{Cite news |last1=Ovenden |first1=Olivia |title=Cillian Murphy: 'I have zero interest in contentment' |url=https://observer.co.uk/culture/interviews/article/cillian-murphy-i-have-zero-interest-in-contentment |newspaper=[[The Observer]]  |access-date=6 September 2025 |date=6 September 2025 |archive-date=6 September 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250906175230/https://observer.co.uk/culture/interviews/article/cillian-murphy-i-have-zero-interest-in-contentment |url-status=live}}</ref> Sam, Jim's daughter, is portrayed by Maiya Eastmond.<ref name="WhatHappened">{{cite web |last1=Pilley |first1=Max |title='28 Years Later: The Bone Temple': what happened to Cillian Murphy's Jim after '28 Days Later'? |url=https://www.nme.com/news/film/28-years-later-the-bone-temple-what-happened-to-cillian-murphys-jim-after-28-days-later-3923787 |website=[[NME]] |access-date=January 19, 2026 |date=January 17, 2026 |archive-date=17 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260117153612/https://www.nme.com/news/film/28-years-later-the-bone-temple-what-happened-to-cillian-murphys-jim-after-28-days-later-3923787 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="5Questions">{{cite web |last1=Goldman |first1=Eric |title=5 Questions We Have For the Next 28 Years Later Movie Following The Bone Temple |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/5-questions-we-have-for-the-next-28-years-later-movie-the-bone-temple-jim-cillian-murphy |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=January 19, 2026 |date=January 16, 2026|archive-date=17 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260117054255/https://www.ign.com/articles/5-questions-we-have-for-the-next-28-years-later-movie-the-bone-temple-jim-cillian-murphy |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="28YearLater3">{{cite web |last1=Salmon |first1=Will |title=28 Years Later 3 release date speculation, cast, news, and everything we else we know |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/28-years-later-3-release-date-cast-trailer-news/ |website=[[Games Radar]] |access-date=January 19, 2026 |date=January 16, 2026|archive-date=16 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260116095229/https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/28-years-later-3-release-date-cast-trailer-news/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="PunkRock">{{cite web |last1=Seddon |first1=Dan |title=How '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Stays True to "Punk Rock" Franchise with Cillian Murphy's Return |url=https://movieweb.com/28-years-later-the-bone-temple-cillian-murphys-return-scene-explained/ |website=[[MovieWeb]] |access-date=January 19, 2026 |date=January 18, 2026|archive-date=19 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260119020809/https://movieweb.com/28-years-later-the-bone-temple-cillian-murphys-return-scene-explained/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Production==
===Development===
{{Multiple image
| perrow            = 1/2
| total_width       = 250
| image1            = Nia DaCosta.png
| image2            = Alex Garland in 2024.jpg
| image3            = DannyBoyle08 (cropped).jpg
| footer            = Counterclockwise from top: [[Nia DaCosta]] directed ''28 Years Later: The Bone Temple'', with [[Alex Garland]] returning as screenwriter. [[Danny Boyle]], who directed ''[[28 Days Later]]'' and ''[[28 Years Later]]'', served as a producer on the sequel.
}}

In April 2024, a sequel to ''[[28 Years Later]]'' (2025) was reportedly in development, with [[Nia DaCosta]] in talks to direct, taking over from [[Danny Boyle]], and [[Alex Garland]] returning to write the screenplay.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=2024-04-10 |title='Candyman' Director Nia DaCosta In Talks To Helm Part Two Of New '28 Years Later' Trilogy From Sony Pictures |url=https://deadline.com/2024/04/candyman-nia-dacosta-28-years-later-part-2-1235880839/ |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=Deadline |archive-date=10 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410221028/https://deadline.com/2024/04/candyman-nia-dacosta-28-years-later-part-2-1235880839/|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2024, via a copyright filing, the title was seemingly revealed as ''28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bolt |first=Neil |title=28 Years Later Sequel Title Revealed in Copyright Filing |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1778113-28-years-later-sequel-name-the-bone-temple |website=[[ComingSoon.net]] |archive-date=24 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624144930/https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1778113-28-years-later-sequel-name-the-bone-temple |url-status=live |date=June 24, 2024}}</ref>

Feeling "protective of the legacy" of the franchise,<ref name="WestGamesRadar2025" /> Nia DaCosta's [[Pitch (filmmaking)|pitch]] was to avoid copying Danny Boyle's directorial style to instead create a personal and idiosyncratic work,<ref>{{cite web |last=Welch |first=Alex |title=Jack O'Connell Calls '28 Years Later' Sequel the 'Weird, Deranged Cousin' of First Film |url=https://www.thewrap.com/jack-oconnell-28-years-later-sequel-bone-temple-weird-deranged/ |website=TheWrap |date=September 2, 2025 |access-date=October 19, 2025|archive-date=2 September 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250902195332/https://www.thewrap.com/jack-oconnell-28-years-later-sequel-bone-temple-weird-deranged/|url-status=live}}</ref> and requested Alex Garland have more infected added to the script.<ref name="Ford2025">{{cite web |last=Ford |first=Lily |title=Nia DaCosta Reveals Her One Amendment to Alex Garland's '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Script — "More Infected" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/nia-dacosta-28-years-later-the-bone-temple-script-1236346898/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=August 18, 2025 |language=English |access-date=October 19, 2025|archive-date=18 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250818184320/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/nia-dacosta-28-years-later-the-bone-temple-script-1236346898/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Though Boyle and Garland oversaw the film, they allowed DaCosta creative freedom and did not interfere with her directing process.<ref name="DigitalSpyBoneTempleDifferent">{{cite web |last=Sandwell |first=Ian |title=How 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is "very different" to the first movie |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a69957246/28-years-later-bone-temple-different/ |website=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst UK |date=January 10, 2026 |access-date=January 12, 2026|archive-date=January 10, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260110102046/https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a69957246/28-years-later-bone-temple-different/|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2024, [[Aaron Taylor-Johnson]] said his character would not return for this film.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLagzu3GgHI |title=Aaron Taylor-Johnson talks Kraven the Hunter, Pietro, Kick-Ass {{!}} Happy Sad Confused |date=December 13, 2024 |publisher=[[YouTube]] |time=41:10 |access-date=December 13, 2024|archive-date=December 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213152847/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLagzu3GgHI |url-status=live}}</ref> DaCosta collaborated with Boyle in creating the character Samson during the development of the previous film, as the character features prominently in ''The Bone Temple''.<ref name="Ford2025" />

The sequel continued collaborations with key production partners from the previous film: produced by [[Columbia Pictures]] in association with Decibel Films and [[DNA Films]], distributed by [[Sony Pictures Releasing]], and executive producers including Danny Boyle, [[Andrew Macdonald (producer)|Andrew Macdonald]], [[Peter Rice (executive)|Peter Rice]], and Bernie Bellew.<ref name="Variety">{{cite web |last=Mendoza|first=Liza |date=September 3, 2025 |title='28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Trailer: Ralph Fiennes Returns in Zombie Sequel |url=https://variety.com/2025/film/global/28-years-later-2-trailer-bone-temple-ralph-fiennes-1236442931/ |access-date=September 2, 2025 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|archive-date=September 3, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250903075302/https://variety.com/2025/film/global/28-years-later-2-trailer-bone-temple-ralph-fiennes-1236442931/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[TSG Entertainment]] covered half of the $63 million net budget, of which a collective $15 million went to Danny Boyle, Alex Garland, and producer Peter Rice, while Sony spent an additional $70 million on marketing.<ref name="DeadlineAvatarFireAsh2026">{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2026/01/box-office-global-avatar-fire-and-ash-28-years-later-bone-temple-1236689254/ |title='Avatar: Fire And Ash' Hits $1.3B, 'Housemaid' Paul Feig's 2nd Highest Grossing Pic, '28 Years Later: Bone Temple' Soft $31M WW Debut; 'Marty Supreme' Crosses $100M+ WW – Global Box Office Update |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |website=Deadline Hollywood |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |date=January 19, 2026 |access-date=20 January 2026 |archive-date=18 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260118192213/https://deadline.com/2026/01/box-office-global-avatar-fire-and-ash-28-years-later-bone-temple-1236689254/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Ralph Fiennes said the film explores themes juxtaposing human violence with innate humanity amid brutality and the infected.<ref name="WangAOLAEW2025">{{cite web |last=Wang |first=Jessica |title=Ralph Fiennes teases “28 Years Later” sequel “The Bone Temple”: 'We carry in us the potential for terrible destruction and pain' |url=https://www.aol.com/ralph-fiennes-teases-28-years-140000624.html |website=AOL (Entertainment Weekly) |publisher=Yahoo Inc. |date=23 June 2025 |access-date=8 January 2026 |archive-date=12 February 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260212093359/https://www.aol.com/ralph-fiennes-teases-28-years-140000624.html|url-status=live}}</ref> DaCosta stated that while the theme of the previous film was about the nature of family, ''The Bone Temple'' would be about the [[nature of evil]], which would lead the next film to be about the nature of [[Redemption (theology)|redemption]].<ref name="ErblandIndieWire2025">{{cite web |last=Erbland |first=Kate |title=How '28 Years Later' Sets Up for Its Sequel, 'The Bone Temple' |url=https://www.indiewire.com/features/commentary/28-years-later-sequel-the-bone-temple-spoilers-1235132070/ |website=IndieWire |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |date=20 June 2025 |access-date=8 January 2026 |archive-date=12 February 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260212093516/https://www.indiewire.com/features/commentary/28-years-later-sequel-the-bone-temple-spoilers-1235132070/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Filming===
[[Principal photography]] began on 19 August 2024, with [[Sean Bobbitt]] serving as cinematographer, replacing [[Anthony Dod Mantle]] from the previous film.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=Tabbara |first=Mona |title=Alex Garland and Andrew Macdonald talk '28 Years Later' trilogy, casting indie films and the importance of producers |url=https://www.screendaily.com/news/alex-garland-and-andrew-macdonald-talk-28-years-later-trilogy-casting-indie-films-and-the-importance-of-producers/5196332.article |website=[[Screen Daily]] |access-date=August 20, 2024 |date=August 19, 2024|archive-date=19 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819100924/https://www.screendaily.com/news/alex-garland-and-andrew-macdonald-talk-28-years-later-trilogy-casting-indie-films-and-the-importance-of-producers/5196332.article |url-status=live}}</ref> As filming began approximately three weeks after the completion of the preceding film, production required logistical coordination due to overlapping characters and locations, including casting decisions for characters appearing in both films.<ref name="WestGamesRadar2025">{{cite web |last=West |first=Amy |title=28 Years Later: The Bone Temple director praises Danny Boyle and Alex Garland for "really letting me do my thing" with the horror sequel |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/horror-movies/28-years-later-the-bone-temple-director-praises-danny-boyle-and-alex-garland-for-really-letting-me-do-my-thing-with-the-horror-sequel-i-feel-so-protective-of-that-legacy/ |website=GamesRadar+ |publisher=Future plc |date=23 October 2025 |access-date=8 January 2026 |language=en |archive-date=22 October 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251022145035/https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/horror-movies/28-years-later-the-bone-temple-director-praises-danny-boyle-and-alex-garland-for-really-letting-me-do-my-thing-with-the-horror-sequel-i-feel-so-protective-of-that-legacy/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2024, [[Cillian Murphy]] was spotted filming in [[Ennerdale, Cumbria|Ennerdale]], Cumbria with a crew reportedly attached.<ref>{{cite web|date= |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/24594433.lake-district-cillian-murphy-seen-filming-28-years-later-ennerdale/ |title=Lake District: Cillian Murphy seen filming 28 Years Later in Ennerdale |archive-date=12 February 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260212093657/https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/24594433.lake-district-cillian-murphy-seen-filming-28-years-later-ennerdale/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Bone Temple set was constructed in [[Redmire]], North Yorkshire and the opening scene set in an abandoned leisure centre was filmed at the [[Richard Dunn Sports Centre]] in [[Bradford]] which has been closed since 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thapa |first=Shaurya |date=2025-06-19 |title=Where was '28 Years Later' filmed? The locations behind Danny Boyle's zombie sequel |url=https://www.timeout.com/news/where-was-28-years-later-filmed-the-locations-behind-danny-boyles-zombie-sequel-061925 |website=Time Out |publisher=Time Out England Limited |language=en |access-date=2025-09-30|archive-date=19 June 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250619191751/https://www.timeout.com/news/where-was-28-years-later-filmed-the-locations-behind-danny-boyles-zombie-sequel-061925|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Laver |first=Adam |date=2024-09-24 |title=28 Years Later filming 'massive for Bradford' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ceqnr74xx2eo |website=BBC |access-date=2026-01-15|archive-date=24 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924173251/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ceqnr74xx2eo|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to [[Ralph Fiennes]], while Danny Boyle's direction in the preceding film was instinctive and fast-paced with a clear vision of desired moments, Nia DaCosta's approach was more deliberate and meticulous, particularly in close-up shots, allowing actors additional time to develop subtle aspects of their performances.<ref name="FangoriaBoneTempleInterview">{{cite web |last1=Amber T |first1= |title=Exclusive Interview: Ralph Fiennes and Chi Lewis‑Parry on Bringing Heart to The Bone Temple |url=https://www.fangoria.com/exclusive-interview-ralph-fiennes-chi-lewis-parry-the-bone-temple/ |website=Fangoria |date=January 6, 2026 |access-date=January 8, 2026|archive-date=12 February 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260212094110/https://www.fangoria.com/exclusive-interview-ralph-fiennes-chi-lewis-parry-the-bone-temple/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name= "DigitalSpyBoneTempleDifferent" /> In contrast to the previous film being filmed on [[iPhone 15 Pro]] cameras, ''The Bone Temple'' was filmed using the [[Arri Alexa 35]] digital camera.<ref name="MoviemakerHedda">{{cite web |last=Encinias |first=Joshua |title=Hedda Director Nia DaCosta on Telling Outsider Stories — From Trapped Heroines to Rage Survivors |url=https://www.moviemaker.com/hedda-nia-da-costa/ |website=MovieMaker |publisher=MovieMaker Magazine |date=October 29, 2025 |access-date=January 13, 2026 |archive-date=15 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251115120935/https://www.moviemaker.com/hedda-nia-da-costa/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Christoffel |first1=Ryan |title=New Apple video shows how iPhone was used to shoot 28 Years Later |url=https://9to5mac.com/2025/07/29/new-apple-video-shows-how-iphone-was-used-to-shoot-28-years-later/ |access-date=12 January 2026|archive-date=18 December 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251218061144/https://9to5mac.com/2025/07/29/new-apple-video-shows-how-iphone-was-used-to-shoot-28-years-later/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Chi Lewis-Parry]] reprised his role as the Alpha infected Samson, portraying the character as having a more subdued demeanour due to frequent sedation by Fiennes's Dr Ian Kelson.<ref name="VarietyLewisParry" /> A scene in which Dr Kelson and Samson dance to [[Duran Duran]]'s ''[[Rio (Duran Duran album)|Rio]]'' was not part of the original script but instead was improvised during filming.<ref name="VarietyLewisParry" /> To portray Samson, Chi Lewis-Parry wore a full-body [[prosthetic makeup|prosthetic body suit]].<ref name="VarietyLewisParry" /> Each suit took seven artists six to eight hours to apply and could only be used once, so the process had to be repeated more than 25 times during filming.<ref name="VarietyLewisParry" /> For close-up or waist-up shots, simpler partial prosthetics were used.<ref name="VarietyLewisParry">{{cite web |last=Ritman |first=Alex |title=The Alpha Zombie Returns: Chi Lewis-Parry on Adding Depth to Samson in '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' and Why Dancing With Ralph Fiennes Was 'The Most Fun I've Had Naked' |url=https://variety.com/2026/film/global/28-years-later-bone-temple-alpha-zombie-naked-dancing-prosthetics-1236618960/ |publisher=Variety |date=January 5, 2026 |access-date=January 8, 2026 |archive-date=5 January 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260105013839/https://variety.com/2026/film/global/28-years-later-bone-temple-alpha-zombie-naked-dancing-prosthetics-1236618960/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Music===
{{Main|28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (soundtrack)}}

[[Hildur Guðnadóttir]] created the musical score, having previously collaborated with DaCosta on ''[[Hedda (2025 film)|Hedda]]'' (2025).<ref name="FMRBoneTempleScore">{{cite web |url=https://filmmusicreporter.com/2024/12/09/hildur-gudnadottir-to-score-nia-dacostas-28-years-later-part-ii-the-bone-temple/ |title=Hildur Guđnadóttir to Score Nia DaCosta's '28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple' |access-date=January 22, 2026 |archive-date=13 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260113005948/https://filmmusicreporter.com/2024/12/09/hildur-gudnadottir-to-score-nia-dacostas-28-years-later-part-ii-the-bone-temple/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The ending scene and credits feature the theme "[[28 Days Later (soundtrack)|In The House - In A Heartbeat]]", originally composed by [[John Murphy (composer)|John Murphy]] for ''[[28 Days Later]]''.

===Post-production===
Post-production on ''28 Years Later: The Bone Temple'' commenced following the completion of principal photography in late 2024, with the 13 January 2026, release date allowing an extended period for editing and visual effects to be completed ahead of its theatrical debut.<ref name="GamesRadarBoneTempleInfo">{{cite web |last=West |first=Amy |title=28 Years Later: The Bone Temple release date, cast, trailer, and everything else we know about the zombie horror sequel |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/horror-movies/28-years-later-the-bone-temple-release-date-cast-trailer-and-everything-else-we-know-about-the-zombie-horror-sequel/ |website=GamesRadar+ |publisher=Future plc |date=7 November 2025 |access-date=12 January 2026|archive-date=19 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250619143331/https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/horror-movies/28-years-later-the-bone-temple-release-date-cast-trailer-and-everything-else-we-know-about-the-zombie-horror-sequel/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Visual effects work was overseen by Adam Gascoyne as Visual Effects Supervisor, with Dean Koonjul and Rob Vassieamong the key VFX leads and coordinated through effects vendor Union VFX.<ref name="ArtOfVFXBoneTemple">{{cite web |last=Frei |first=Vincent |title=28 Years Later: The Bone Temple |url=https://www.artofvfx.com/28-years-later-the-bone-temple/ |website=The Art of VFX |publisher=The Art of VFX |date=3 December 2025 |access-date=12 January 2026|archive-date=12 February 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260212094439/https://www.artofvfx.com/28-years-later-the-bone-temple/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Release==
[[File:Alfie Williams at the London premiere of 28 Years Later The Bone Temple.jpg|thumb|200px|Producer [[Danny Boyle]] with actors [[Alfie Williams]] and [[Jack O'Connell (actor)|Jack O'Connell]] at the premiere of ''28 Years Later: The Bone Temple'' in London, 13 January 2026.]]
''28 Years Later: The Bone Temple'' was first released in the United Kingdom by [[Sony Pictures Releasing]] on 13 January 2026 as part of a [[Double feature|double bill]] with ''[[28 Years Later]]'',<ref>{{cite web |author=<!-- not stated --> |title=28 Years Later + 28YL: The Bone Temple Double-Bill |url=https://www.cineworld.co.uk/films/28-years-later-28yl-the-bone-temple-double-bill/ho00014067 |website=[[Cineworld]] |access-date=14 January 2026}}</ref> before being released individually the following day on 14 January, with the film released in the United States on 16 January 2026.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Katcy |last=Stephan |title='28 Years Later' Sequel 'The Bone Temple' Gets January 2026 Release Date |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=2024-12-19 |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/28-years-later-the-bone-temple-sequel-release-date-january-2026-1236255197/ |access-date=2025-06-22 |archive-date=2025-08-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250816172635/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/28-years-later-the-bone-temple-sequel-release-date-january-2026-1236255197/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception==
===Box office===
{{As of|2026|2|18|}}, ''28 Years Later: The Bone Temple'' has grossed $25.1 million in the United States and Canada, and $32.5 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $57.6 million.<ref name="NUM">{{Cite web |title=28 Years Later: The Bone Temple - Box Office and Financial Information |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/28-Years-Later-The-Bone-Temple-(2026)#tab=summary |access-date=February 14, 2026 |website=[[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]]|archive-date=January 28, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260128121003/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/28-Years-Later-The-Bone-Temple-(2026)#tab=summary |url-status=live}}</ref> 

In the United States and Canada, ''The Bone Temple'' was initially expected to make $20–22 million over the four-day [[Martin Luther King Jr. Day]] holiday weekend.<ref name=mlkdayweekendboxoffice>{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/avatar-fire-and-ash-box-office-first-place-fifth-weekend-28-years-later-bone-temple-misses-expectations-1236634237/|title=Box Office: 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' Remains No. 1 in Fifth Weekend as '28 Years Later: Bone Temple' Stumbles With $13 Million Debut|first=Rebecca|last=Rubin|publisher=Variety|date=January 18, 2026|accessdate=January 18, 2026|archive-date=18 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260118165514/https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/avatar-fire-and-ash-box-office-first-place-fifth-weekend-28-years-later-bone-temple-misses-expectations-1236634237/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=initialmlkdayweekendestimate>{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2026/01/28-years-later-bone-temple-box-office-projection-1236658187/|title='28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' To Scare Off Na'vi From No. 1 With $20M+ MLK Opening – Box Office Preview|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|publisher=Deadline Hollywood|date=January 13, 2026|accessdate=January 18, 2026|archive-date=13 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260113200750/https://deadline.com/2026/01/28-years-later-bone-temple-box-office-projection-1236658187/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, it underperformed domestically, earning $13 million over the three-day weekend and an estimated $15 million over the four-day holiday period.<ref name=mlkdayweekendboxoffice /> This represented a weaker US domestic opening compared to its predecessor ''[[28 Years Later]]'', which debuted to $30 million over a traditional three-day “weekend”.<ref name=mlkdayweekendboxoffice /><ref name="DeadlineAvatarFireAsh2026">{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2026/01/box-office-global-avatar-fire-and-ash-28-years-later-bone-temple-1236689254/ |title='Avatar: Fire And Ash' Hits $1.3B, 'Housemaid' Paul Feig's 2nd Highest Grossing Pic, '28 Years Later: Bone Temple' Soft $31M WW Debut; 'Marty Supreme' Crosses $100M+ WW – Global Box Office Update |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |website=Deadline Hollywood |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |date=January 19, 2026 |access-date=20 January 2026 |archive-date=18 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260118192213/https://deadline.com/2026/01/box-office-global-avatar-fire-and-ash-28-years-later-bone-temple-1236689254/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Critical response===
{{RT prose|92|7.7|320|A direct continuation of ''28 Years Later'' that ups the gore while deepening the dread, ''The Bone Temple'' is finely adorned by Nia DaCosta's unnerving direction as well as Ralph Fiennes and Jack O'Connell's inspired performances.|ref=y|access-date=February 21, 2026}} 

{{Metacritic film prose|81|58|ref=y|access-date=February 6, 2026}} Audiences polled by [[CinemaScore]] gave it an average grade of 'A−' on an A+ to F scale, up from its predecessor's 'B' grade. Audiences surveyed by [[PostTrak]] gave it an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with 72% saying that they would definitely recommend it.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=2026-01-17 |title='Avatar: Fire And Ash' Burning '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' With No. 1 MLK Weekend $17M+ Take – Box Office Update |url=https://deadline.com/2026/01/box-office-28-years-later-bone-temple-avatar-fire-and-ash-1236685165/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=16 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260116170855/https://deadline.com/2026/01/box-office-28-years-later-bone-temple-avatar-fire-and-ash-1236685165/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Amy Nicholson]] of ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' wrote, "Gruesomely both low and highbrow, it's the movie equivalent of [[Jell-O]] wrestling an anthropology professor at [[Burning Man]], which may have been the inspiration of one of its standout characters, Ralph Fiennes' spry and mesmerizing Dr. Ian Kelson."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2026-01-15/28-years-later-bone-temple-review-ralph-fiennes-jack-o-connell-alfie-williams-nia-da-costa|title=In smart splatter horror '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,' faith and science crawl from the muck!|archive-date=15 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260115173918/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2026-01-15/28-years-later-bone-temple-review-ralph-fiennes-jack-o-connell-alfie-williams-nia-da-costa|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Sequel==
''The Bone Temple'' was announced as the second part of a planned trilogy,<ref name=":0" /> with Garland writing all three.<ref name="Sequels_TG">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/mar/30/alex-garland-civil-war-interview|work=The Guardian|title=Civil War film-maker Alex Garland: 'In the US and UK there's a lot to be very concerned about'|author=Jones, Ellan E.|date=March 30, 2024|access-date=April 6, 2024|archive-date=30 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330121545/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/mar/30/alex-garland-civil-war-interview|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2025, Boyle confirmed that he would direct the final film in the trilogy.<ref name="Sequels_Empire">{{cite news|last=Travis|first=Ben|title=28 Years Later Takes 'A Wholly Different Approach' To The Infected Saga, Says Danny Boyle|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/28-years-later-wholly-different-approach-infected-saga-danny-boyle-exclusive/|work=Empire|date=9 January 2025|archive-date=9 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250109182620/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/28-years-later-wholly-different-approach-infected-saga-danny-boyle-exclusive/|url-status=live}}</ref> That September, Murphy said that the third film would only be produced if the second was a success.<ref name="MurphyObserver" /> That December, it was reported that Sony was moving forward with a potential third installment prior to the theatrical release, with Murphy in talks to reprise his role as Jim and Garland writing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=2025-12-11 |title='28 Years Later III' Moving Forward At Sony: Cillian Murphy In Talks, Alex Garland Penning |url=https://deadline.com/2025/12/28-years-later-3-cillian-murphy-alex-garland-1236645207/ |access-date=2025-12-11 |website=Deadline |archive-date=11 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251211002031/https://deadline.com/2025/12/28-years-later-3-cillian-murphy-alex-garland-1236645207/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Couch |first=Aaron |date=2025-12-11 |title='28 Years Later III' Moving Forward with Cillian Murphy in Talks to Return |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/28-years-later-iii-moving-forward-cillian-murphy-1236447390/ |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=11 December 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251211004627/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/28-years-later-iii-moving-forward-cillian-murphy-1236447390/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McGowan |first=Andrew |date=2025-12-11 |title='28 Years Later III' Going Forward at Sony; Alex Garland Writing and Cillian Murphy in Talks to Return |url=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/28-years-later-3-cillian-murphy-in-talks-1236606021/ |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=Variety |archive-date=11 December 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251211013541/https://variety.com/2025/film/news/28-years-later-3-cillian-murphy-in-talks-1236606021/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|https://28yearslater.movie/}}
* {{IMDb title}}

{{28 Days Later}}
{{Nia DaCosta}}
{{Alex Garland}}


[[Category:2026 American films]]
[[Category:2026 British films]]
[[Category:2026 horror films]]
[[Category:2026 science fiction horror films]]
[[Category:2020s dystopian films]]
[[Category:2026 English-language films]]
[[Category:28 Days Later (film series)]]
[[Category:American dystopian films]]
[[Category:American post-apocalyptic films]]
[[Category:American science fiction horror films]]
[[Category:American sequel films]]
[[Category:American zombie films]]
[[Category:British dystopian films]]
[[Category:British post-apocalyptic films]]
[[Category:British science fiction horror films]]
[[Category:British sequel films]]
[[Category:British zombie films]]
[[Category:Columbia Pictures films]]
[[Category:DNA Films films]]
[[Category:Dolby Cinema films]]
[[Category:Fiction about eco-terrorism]]
[[Category:English-language science fiction horror films]]
[[Category:Films about cults]]
[[Category:Films about viral outbreaks]]
[[Category:Films directed by Nia DaCosta]]
[[Category:Films produced by Alex Garland]]
[[Category:Films produced by Andrew Macdonald]]
[[Category:Films produced by Danny Boyle]]
[[Category:Films scored by Hildur Guðnadóttir]]
[[Category:Films shot in Cumbria]]
[[Category:Films shot in North Yorkshire]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Alex Garland]]
[[Category:TSG Entertainment films]]
[[Category:Works about Jimmy Savile]]

{{Wikipedia attribution|original_title=28 Years Later: The Bone Temple|access_date=2026-02-24}}