’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ Lands January 2026 Release

December 21, 2024: This is huge news for fans of the 28 Days Later franchise! The upcoming 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is set to be the next thrilling chapter in the post-apocalyptic horror saga, and the announcement of its release date—January 16, 2026—is sure to have fans buzzing. Directed by Nia DaCosta (Candyman, The Marvels) and written by Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Annihilation), this film has all the ingredients for another chilling addition to the franchise.

The decision to make it the second installment in a planned trilogy, following the highly anticipated 28 Years Later set for release in 2025, shows the ambition and scale of this next chapter. And having Danny Boyle and Alex Garland returning to write the scripts is significant; their collaboration on the original 28 Days Later (2002) set the standard for zombie apocalypse films with its fast-paced, emotional, and haunting approach to the genre. It’s clear that they’re bringing their signature touch to this continuation of the story.

With Cillian Murphy reprising his iconic role as Jim, the survivor from 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later, this continuation of his character’s journey is one of the most exciting elements. After winning an Oscar for his stellar performance in Oppenheimer, Murphy’s involvement in this post-apocalyptic world feels like a perfect fit. His return alongside new talent like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes promises a fresh dynamic while maintaining the core essence of the franchise.

The addition of Jodie Comer, who has made waves with performances in Killing Eve and The Last Duel, adds another layer of excitement for what is sure to be a character-driven, emotional survival story. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, known for his intense performances in Bullet Train and Kick-Ass, could bring some physicality and depth to the ensemble cast.

The return of the Rage Virus is a central element in the plot. The official description of 28 Years Later mentions the resurgence of the virus after the events of 28 Weeks Later, which leaves the world even more ravaged and desperate. The idea of survivors navigating this deadly landscape once again will undoubtedly keep the audience on the edge of their seats, especially with the promise of “hordes of the infected.”

The plot also hints at the survivors needing to navigate not just the external threat of the infected, but perhaps internal strife within their group, which is often a central theme in post-apocalyptic films—making the human element just as perilous as the zombie threat itself.

The Bone Temple sounds like it will have a unique twist in the ongoing saga. The title itself evokes a sense of grim mystery and foreboding, suggesting that this sequel will dive into more sinister, perhaps even supernatural elements, which could be a new direction for the series. While the 28 Days Later films have largely focused on the social and emotional consequences of a virus apocalypse, The Bone Temple could introduce new challenges, locations, or even deeper mythology.

With Boyle and Garland overseeing the writing of the upcoming films and the fact that both were shot back-to-back, it’s clear that these films will be designed as a cohesive, multi-part narrative. Given the success of the 28 Days Later series in blending horror with philosophical and emotional questions, fans can expect a mix of action, tension, and cerebral storytelling.

If 28 Years Later (2025) and The Bone Temple (2026) live up to the anticipation, this trilogy could become one of the most impactful zombie franchises of all time, alongside other iconic series like The Walking Dead and World War Z. And with Nia DaCosta at the helm, it’s likely we’ll see a fresh and nuanced approach to the genre—especially after her work in Candyman, which balanced social commentary with supernatural horror.

There’s so much to look forward to. What do you think? Are you excited for the return of the Rage Virus and the next chapter in this brutal, post-apocalyptic world?