The latest installment in the acclaimed horror franchise, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” has just hit theaters, and its opening weekend box office performance has left many surprised. While “The Bone Temple” has garnered significant critical praise, its initial box office results have unfortunately disappointed fans and industry analysts alike. This subdued debut for “The Bone Temple” stands in contrast to expectations, especially considering the anticipation surrounding the 28 Years Later franchise.
“The Bone Temple” Box Office Performance
“The Bone Temple” debuted with a modest $15 million over the extended MLK weekend. This figure fell short of the projected $20 million, placing the film in fourth place domestically. Globally, “The Bone Temple” earned $29.2 million. This performance is a stark contrast to its predecessor, “28 Years Later,” which achieved a stronger opening of $30 million domestically in 2025. The top spot was claimed by “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” which grossed $17.2 million for the weekend, contributing to its impressive cumulative total of over $1.23 billion worldwide, even in its fifth week of release.
Critical Acclaim for “The Bone Temple”
Despite the less-than-stellar box office results, “The Bone Temple” has been met with significant critical praise. The film boasts an impressive 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes, a new franchise record that speaks volumes about its quality. Many critics have lauded Nia DaCosta’s direction, with Ralph Fiennes also receiving accolades for his powerful performance. The narrative of “The Bone Temple” is praised for expanding the series’ lore and delving into dark, compelling themes. Furthermore, audiences have responded positively, awarding the film an A- CinemaScore, indicating a strong viewer appreciation for “The Bone Temple.”
“The Bone Temple”: A Franchise Entry
“The Bone Temple” is a pivotal second entry in a planned trilogy produced by Danny Boyle, with a screenplay penned by Alex Garland and Nia DaCosta at the helm. The story of “The Bone Temple” centers on Dr. Kelson, a survivor from the first film, and explores themes of human cruelty, suggesting that survivors might pose the greatest threat. The return of Cillian Murphy as Jim in “The Bone Temple” further solidifies its place within the established universe and sets the stage for future installments, promising more narrative depth from this horror movie performance.
The current movie news cycle is intensely competitive, with numerous releases vying for audience attention alongside the influence of streaming services. For theatrical releases, box office performance remains a crucial metric, closely monitored in Los Angeles as an indicator of emerging film industry trends. Understanding these box office results is vital for assessing the overall success of new projects like “The Bone Temple.”
In conclusion, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” has achieved critical success and delivered strong reviews, but its box office numbers present a challenge for the franchise’s future trajectory. Producers are hopeful that positive word-of-mouth and strong international sales will bolster the performance of “The Bone Temple,” as the horror genre continues to demonstrate its enduring appeal in the film industry.
