UPDATE: The first reactions to the highly anticipated sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, have just hit social media, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Initial responses suggest that this installment is not only a worthy follow-up but also an even weirder twist on the original.
Just moments ago, Columbia Pictures allowed select press in the U.S. and U.K. to share their reactions from the press screenings held late Tuesday night. Official critic reviews remain under embargo until closer to the film’s release on January 16, 2026, but early social media commentary is already creating a stir.
Set in the grim aftermath of the Rage Virus, Bone Temple shifts focus to the survivors in the North East of England. The storyline follows Dr. Ian Kelson, played by Ralph Fiennes, as he desperately seeks a cure while Spike (portrayed by Alfie Williams) becomes entangled with the notorious gang of Sir Jimmy Crystal (played by Jack O’Connell).
The film’s directorial reins have been handed to Nia DaCosta, known for her work on Candyman, marking a significant shift in creative direction from original director Danny Boyle. DaCosta revealed that Jonathan Glazer, a filmmaker renowned for his work on The Zone of Interest, played a pivotal role in convincing her to take on this project during the Edinburgh Film Festival earlier this year.
The first film in the series, 28 Years Later, created a massive impact upon its release in June, raking in over $150 million worldwide against a budget of $60 million. Its critical acclaim is reflected in its impressive 89 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, setting high expectations for the sequel.
As social media reactions continue to pour in, fans are sharing snippets of their excitement and anticipation. The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Erin Kellyman, Emma Laird, and Maura Bird, with further surprises hinted at.
This development is significant not just for horror fans but for the film industry as a whole, as it redefines the legacy of the genre-defining 28 Days Later franchise.
With the clock ticking down to the release date, audiences are eager to see how the intense narrative unfolds. Bone Temple promises to deliver both horror and heart, and as anticipation builds, it’s clear this sequel aims to captivate audiences worldwide.
Stay tuned for more updates as the release date approaches, and prepare for a thrilling cinematic experience come January!
