Updating pre-release projections, Sony's 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple earned $2.1 million in Thursday previews ahead of its U.S. debut, now tracking $13 million over three days and $15 million for the four-day MLK weekend. Nia DaCosta's zombie sequel, featuring a cult inspired by Jimmy Savile, holds a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score and battles Avatar: Fire and Ash.
The film, sequel to last summer's 28 Years Later, released in the UK on January 14 and U.S. theaters on January 16. Thursday previews from 2 p.m. showtimes totaled $2.1 million—below the prior film's $5.8 million boosted by Juneteenth—but Friday grosses hit $5.8 million including previews.
Directed by Nia DaCosta (Candyman) from Alex Garland's script, following Danny Boyle's 2025 entry, the story explores psycho-social fallout in a Rage virus-ravaged world. Jack O’Connell stars as Sir Jimmy Crystal, head of satanist cult The Jimmies—clad in colorful tracksuits and white wigs—inspired by disgraced BBC figure Jimmy Savile. DaCosta said the reference highlights 'intentional perversion' of dogma, religion, and childhood media. O’Connell described the role as delving into 'the uttermost darkest, depraved parts of us,' a 'hangover' from unchecked past power.
Ralph Fiennes returns as bone-collecting Dr. Kelson. Highlights include a naked, morphine-fueled zombie dancing to Duran Duran. Social buzz hit 186.3 million impressions, PostTrak scored 4.5/5, with 75% over-25 and 62% male audiences.
Facing Avatar: Fire and Ash's fifth weekend, both target around $15 million in a soft box office. Reviews praise the franchise's 'brains-over-guts' style, echoing its 2001 origins.
