A year ago, horror fans were jazzed about the return of Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later franchise with the impending release of 28 Years Later. That excitement continued when the film became a big hit after opening in June 2025; at the time, the decision to release 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple just six months later made perfect sense. But when Nia DaCosta’s sequel opened in January 2026, the box office ultimately didn’t reflect the expected audience enthusiasm.
Looking back now, the director (Candyman, The Marvels, Hedda) is disappointed by The Bone Temple‘s failure to reach the same heights as 28 Years Later.
Speaking to Empire, she noted the financial shortfall came as something of a surprise, since the film was well-received by both critics and fans (currently at 92% and 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, respectively).
“It’s so funny, because literally every barometer we use in the industry to determine whether or not a movie is good, and people like it and want to see it, was through the roof, and yet our box office wasn’t there,” DaCosta told Empire.
She’s aware that the unusually short break between part one and part two of the zombie tale might’ve contributed to the problem. Perhaps it was “maybe too soon,” she said, with moviegoer confusion happening as a result. “Because people were like, ‘Oh yeah, I saw that last summer!’ I’m like, ‘No, no, so there’s a sequel!’”
Still, it sounds like DaCosta has a healthy perspective on things. “When this came out and it didn’t do as well in terms of the money it made, I was disappointed,” she admitted. “But I also was like, ‘I’m so happy that when people find the film, they’re going to enjoy the film.’ I wish it made more money, but I’m really proud of it.”
As far as we know, Boyle is still planning to re-team with screenwriter Alex Garland and reunite with original 28 Days Later star Cillian Murphy for a third film in the 28 Years Later trilogy. However, the last solid update we got on that was in December—in other words, before The Bone Temple hit theaters.
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