The first official images from 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple have been released by Rolling Stone, ahead of the trailer debut scheduled for tomorrow. This highly anticipated sequel, directed by Nia DaCosta, is set to premiere in theaters on January 16, 2026, through Sony. Filmed simultaneously with 28 Years Later, the movie marks the fourth chapter in the post-apocalyptic horror franchise centered on the rage virus.
Creative Team and Cast Behind the Sequel
The film reunites key creative forces, featuring a screenplay by Alex Garland, who wrote both 28 Days Later and 28 Years Later, with production led by Danny Boyle. Nia DaCosta, known for her work on Candyman, takes the helm as director. The cast includes Alfie Williams as the protagonist Spike, Jack O’Connell portraying Sir Jimmy Crystal, with Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Kelson. Additional roles include Chi Lewis-Parry as Samson and Erin Kellyman, alongside Emma Laird. Notably, Cillian Murphy is expected to return in his role from 28 Days Later.
Storyline Expands on Virus Aftermath and Conflict
The narrative continues soon after the events of 28 Years Later, focusing on Spike, who becomes entangled with a violent cult led by Sir Jimmy Crystal. This cult’s path is set to collide with Dr. Kelson and Samson, a carrier of the Alpha virus. The plot promises a deeper exploration of the rage virus’s impact on the world as well as a more detailed relationship between Dr. Kelson and Samson.
Director’s Vision and Actor Insights on the Film’s Tone
Nia DaCosta explained her approach to the sequel, emphasizing her intent to create a unique film distinct from Danny Boyle’s original style.
“My big pitch when I was talking to the producers, including Danny and Alex, before I came on was, ‘I’m going to make this my own. I’m not going to try to make a Danny Boyle movie.’ Because that’s impossible to make. He’s so special. And it didn’t really interest me,”
she stated.
“The thing that connects the two is that they’re both bonkers, idiosyncratic, and very artistically personal works.”
Jack O’Connell offered his perspective on the film’s thematic elements, remarking,
“This film is the weird, deranged cousin to 28 Years Later, who you might be a bit ashamed of because they have weird, questionable interests,”
followed by,
“We see how much nature is the unstoppable force at the end of the day. Nature prevails. The world will take its natural course with or without humans. But I don’t think the infected are purely antagonists in our film. It definitely will make you consider that.”
Anticipated Impact and World-Building
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple aims to expand the existing universe by revealing new layers of the rage virus’s devastation and offering more backstory, particularly regarding Dr. Kelson’s connection to Samson. As the story unfolds, audiences can expect intense confrontations and a deeper understanding of humanity’s fragile place within nature’s power, framed by the ongoing consequences of the virus outbreak that has shaped this dystopian world.
