28 Years On: Exploring The Bone Temple has yet to recoup its production costs, however, its sequel has impressively reached a significant box office achievement.
The most recent sequel in the 28 Days Later series, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, continues directly from its predecessor. This film highlights characters such as Dr. Ian Kelson (played by Ralph Fiennes), the menacing Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell), young Spike (Alphie Williams), and the infected Alpha Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry). A pivotal moment occurs when Dr. Kelson uncovers critical new data about the Rage Virus. The film concludes with a cameo by Jim (Cillian Murphy) from 28 Days Later, setting the stage for the concluding part of the trilogy.
According to a report by The Numbers, after just two weeks of release, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple has grossed $53.6 million globally, with $23.6 million from domestic sales and $30 million from international markets. Though it has achieved this box office landmark, the film still hasn’t earned back its initial budget of $63 million.
Despite crossing a major box office threshold, the financial shortfall of The Bone Temple raises concerns about the potential production of the trilogy’s third installment. The films 28 Years Later and The Bone Temple were shot consecutively, with Danny Boyle directing the former and Nia DaCosta taking on the latter, while Alex Garland penned both scripts. This back-to-back filming led to the rapid release of the sequels, with Boyle’s film launching in June 2025 and DaCosta’s in January 2026.
The creators of the trilogy have expressed that the success of the first two films at the box office is crucial for green-lighting the third installment. 28 Years Later seemed to set a positive precedent, having earned around $150 million worldwide against a $60 million budget. Subsequent to this success and the positive initial response to The Bone Temple, the third film of 28 Years Later was confirmed by Sony prior to the sequel’s theatrical debut, with Garland and Murphy committed to the project. However, the ongoing box office performance of the sequel might influence future decisions, despite its critical success.
If the third film does not materialize, it would leave many pressing questions from The Bone Temple unanswered. Notably, Murphy’s character, Jim, appears only briefly at the end, sparking curiosity about his fate and the events of the intervening years. Additionally, the implications of Dr. Kelson’s discovery about the Rage Virus, as well as the whereabouts of Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), who was absent in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, remain to be explored.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
