Cillian Murphy, widely recognized for his role as Thomas Shelby on Peaky Blinders, originally gained acclaim through the 28 Days Later franchise. Nearly 24 years after the first film, Murphy returned in the newest installment, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which unexpectedly ranked among the top ten dramas on digital platforms shortly after release.
The zombie horror series has four films so far, with the latest chapter arriving in 2025 as part of the revival. Murphy did not appear in the second or third movies but came back for The Bone Temple, released six months after 28 Years Later. Despite a lackluster box office showing, the film debuted third on the Apple TV store according to FlixPatrol, revealing strong interest in digital viewership.
The Bone Temple was made available on digital platforms on February 17, just one month after its January 16 theatrical premiere. This quick transition disrupted the typical 40-day theatrical window. Sony Pictures expedited the digital release following disappointing ticket sales for the fourth installment.
Box Office Struggles for The Bone Temple Despite Critical Praise
The 28 Days Later franchise has accumulated $362.9 million globally against a collective budget of $146 million, with earlier films achieving commercial success. However, The Bone Temple became the first installment to fall short at theaters, even while receiving its highest ratings to date.
The Bone Temple continues the storyline introduced in 28 Years Later, which saw the return of original director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland, who had collaborated previously on 28 Weeks Later in 2007. For The Bone Temple, Boyle stepped aside, handing directing duties to Nia DaCosta, though Garland remained the screenwriter. Both films were produced consecutively.
With a worldwide gross of only $56.9 million on a $63 million budget, The Bone Temple underperformed significantly compared to the prior film, which earned $151.2 million against a $60 million budget. Despite this, the film boasts strong approval ratings—92% from critics and 88% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes—with both Certified Fresh and Verified Hot distinctions.
Cillian Murphy’s character, Jim, who did not appear in the previous two movies, returned with a new narrative twist: his character now has a daughter. Although Murphy’s screen time in The Bone Temple is limited, the film confirms his character’s survival, adding depth to the story’s continuity.
Uncertainty Surrounds Future of the 28 Days Later Franchise
The revival was initially planned as a trilogy, with Alex Garland writing all three movies and filming the first two back-to-back. At this time, the director for a potential third film has not been confirmed. Given the disappointing box office of The Bone Temple, the franchise’s direction remains ambiguous.
Sources such as World of Reel have suggested that Sony Pictures is not rushing to produce the final installment, though it has been officially announced. As the trilogy waits for further developments, strong digital sales and demand may influence Sony’s decision and accelerate production.
Currently, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is accessible for rent or purchase on all major digital platforms. While no streaming debut date has been set, Peacock is scheduled to host the film’s upcoming streaming release.
Key Cast Members of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
Among the cast, Alfie Williams plays the character Spike, and Jack O’Connell portrays Jimmy Crystal, contributing to the film’s ensemble alongside Cillian Murphy.
