28 Years Later: 'Temple of Bones' Sequel Shifts Focus from Rage Virus to Survivor Brutality

Sony Pictures has unveiled the initial trailer for the horror feature, '28 Years Later: Temple of Bones.' This film serves as a continuation of the post-apocalyptic saga that commenced with the 2002 release of '28 Days Later.' As the fourth installment in the series, this movie is slated for theatrical debut on January 16, 2026. Taking the directorial helm is Nia DaCosta, known for her work on 'Candyman' and 'The Marvels.' Alex Garland, who penned the screenplay for the original film and the preceding 2025 sequel, '28 Years Later,' returns to craft the script for this new entry.

This latest sequel, shot immediately following its predecessor, marks a significant pivot in the narrative focus. While '28 Years Later' (2025) achieved a global box office haul of 151.3 million dollars, 'Temple of Bones' delves less into the infected victims of the Rage Virus and more deeply into the moral decay witnessed among the survivors. The story centers on a new antagonist: the psychopathic cult leader known as Sir Jimmy Crystal, portrayed by Jack O'Connell. The promotional material strongly suggests that human depravity itself will be the primary source of terror, hinting at intense political machinations and the existential dread inherent in sustained survival.

Ralph Fiennes is set to reprise his role as Dr. Kelson. According to the synopsis, his character becomes entangled in shocking new circumstances concerning world-altering consequences. Furthermore, a brief appearance by Cillian Murphy, the lead actor from the 2002 original, has been confirmed. Reports indicate this cameo will lay crucial groundwork for a third film already planned in the trilogy. Danny Boyle, who directed the original and serves as a producer on this new picture, previously indicated that greenlighting the third episode hinges directly on the commercial performance of 'Temple of Bones.'

The storyline involving Spike, played by Alfie Williams, depicts his forced induction into 'Jimmy's Gang,' a collective of acrobatic killers whose cult appears to be modeled after the infamous British television personality, Jimmy Savile. Concurrently, Dr. Kelson seems to be pursuing a potential antidote or cure for the virus, possibly beginning his research with an infected individual named Samson, played by Chi Lewis-Parry. The ensemble cast also features Erin Kellyman and Emma Laird, both cast as members of the 'Jimmy's' cult. The musical score for the film was composed by Hildur Guðnadóttir, with Sean Bobbitt handling the cinematography.

The preceding film, '28 Years Later,' released in June 2025, set a new franchise record for box office earnings, surpassing 103 million dollars worldwide within its first two weeks. However, to fully recoup its 60 million dollar production budget, it needed to reach approximately 150 million dollars globally. Consequently, the financial outcome of 'Temple of Bones' is critically important, as Sony Pictures has yet to officially sanction the third installment, and its script remains undeveloped. Director Nia DaCosta aimed to deliver a distinct and personal vision, deliberately steering clear of directly mimicking Danny Boyle's signature style, which is evident in the film's thematic shift toward human corruption.