The latest film in the post-apocalyptic horror series, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, has underperformed at the box office, failing to displace James Cameron’s blockbuster Avatar: Fire and Ash, which has secured the top spot for a fifth consecutive week. The film, which was anticipated to earn between $20 million and $22 million during its opening weekend, is now projected to generate around $15 million over the four-day debut.
Despite being the most expensive entry in the franchise, with a production budget of $63 million, The Bone Temple fell significantly short of its predecessor, 28 Years Later, which opened to $30 million domestically in 2025. The stark contrast in earnings raises questions about the film’s reception among audiences and its marketing strategy.
Franchise Background and Future Prospects
Directed by Nia DaCosta, The Bone Temple was filmed back-to-back with its predecessor and continues the story immediately after the events of 28 Years Later. The narrative follows characters as they navigate a world devastated by the Rage Virus in post-apocalyptic Britain. The film features notable performances from actors Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell, both of whom bring depth to their roles in this harrowing saga.
Despite the disappointing box office figures, the film has received positive critical acclaim, boasting a 93 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. This strong reception may provide a silver lining for the franchise, as it prepares for another installment. The franchise’s future direction will depend heavily on audience engagement and the overall performance of this latest chapter.
As the box office landscape continues to evolve, The Bone Temple serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by even established franchises in a competitive cinematic environment. The ongoing dominance of Avatar: Fire and Ash illustrates the shifting preferences of moviegoers and the impact of high-profile releases on box office outcomes.
Looking ahead, the franchise hopes to capitalize on its dedicated fan base while addressing the factors that contributed to this weekend’s underwhelming performance. The film industry remains watchful as it adapts to changing audience tastes and expectations.
