UPDATE: The first reactions to the highly anticipated sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, have just surfaced following initial screenings, and early social media feedback indicates that the film could be a compelling and bizarre continuation of the franchise.
In an urgent announcement, Columbia Pictures allowed select media outlets in the U.S. and U.K. to share their impressions from press screenings held last night. Although official reviews are under embargo until closer to the film’s release, the buzz is already palpable, with viewers eager for more details about its January 16, 2026 debut.
The action in Bone Temple picks up after the harrowing events of 28 Years Later, focusing on human survivors grappling with the Rage Virus in the North East of England. Central to the plot are two narratives: Dr. Ian Kelson, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, who is on a desperate quest for a cure, and Spike, played by Alfie Williams, who finds himself entangled with a deadly gang led by Jack O’Connell’s character, Sir Jimmy Crystal.
Directed by Nia DaCosta, renowned for her work on Hedda and Candyman, Bone Temple is the second installment in a new trilogy that aims to redefine the genre. DaCosta hinted at her vision for the film during the Edinburgh Film Festival, revealing that fellow filmmaker Jonathan Glazer played a pivotal role in persuading her to take on this iconic project.
The first film, released in June, was a massive success, garnering an impressive 89 percent critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and raking in over $150 million at the box office against a budget of only $60 million. With Alex Garland returning to produce and pen the script for Bone Temple, and Danny Boyle set to helm the trilogy’s conclusion, fans are eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.
As social media reactions flood in, viewers are sharing their excitement, highlighting the film’s unique storytelling and character arcs. This early feedback suggests that 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple could resonate deeply with fans of the franchise, offering a blend of horror and humanity that has become its hallmark.
Stay tuned as more updates and critical reviews are expected to emerge in the coming weeks leading to the film’s release. For fans eagerly awaiting this cinematic event, the anticipation is palpable, and it’s clear that Bone Temple is positioned to make a significant impact in early 2026. Share your thoughts and reactions as the world gears up for this thrilling continuation of a beloved series!
