Is This 'Phenomenal' Horror Film Streaming Now Before the Sequel?

The recent release of 28 Years Later has become a significant box office success, earning $151 million (£111.9 million) globally against its $60 million (£44.4 million) production budget. With a sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, set to hit UK cinemas on 14 January 2024, the franchise's future appears promising, with potential plans for a third film in development. Alex Garland is expected to return as a writer, while Cillian Murphy may reprise his role as Jim from the original 2002 film.

Last updated: 06 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

28 Years Later has dominated box office figures since its debut, showcasing the enduring appeal of the franchise that began with 28 Days Later in 2002. The film has resonated with both audiences and critics alike, indicating a successful revival of the horror genre. Following this success, the announcement of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple has further intensified anticipation among fans, as it promises to expand the narrative universe established by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland. This sequel is particularly notable for its fresh direction, with Nia DaCosta stepping in as director.

Key takeaways

28 Years Later has grossed $151 million (£111.9m) worldwide.
A sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, releases in UK cinemas on 14 January 2024.
Alex Garland is reportedly returning to write the third film in the franchise.
Cillian Murphy is in talks to reprise his role as Jim.
The film has received critical acclaim, holding an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
28 Years Later is currently streaming on NOW TV.

Timeline: how we got here

The 28 Days Later franchise has had a storied evolution since its inception:

2002: The original film, 28 Days Later, directed by Danny Boyle, is released, setting a new standard for horror cinema.
2023: 28 Years Later is released, earning significant box office success and critical acclaim.
14 January 2024: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is scheduled to release in UK cinemas.
Future: Discussions of a third film in the series are underway, with Alex Garland involved in writing.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest updates surrounding 28 Years Later include the near release of its sequel, The Bone Temple, and confirmation that a third film is in development. Critical responses to 28 Years Later have been overwhelmingly positive, with several outlets praising its emotional depth and thrilling narrative.

What was already established

The original film, 28 Days Later, remains a landmark in horror cinema, introducing audiences to a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by the Rage Virus. The success of the first film laid the groundwork for its sequels, and the critical acclaim of 28 Years Later reinforces the franchise's status in contemporary film culture.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As 28 Years Later continues to perform well, it brings renewed interest in the horror genre, potentially influencing consumer behaviour regarding film choices. The sequel's release may also prompt increased cinema attendance, providing a boost to the entertainment sector following the pandemic-related downturn.

Businesses and jobs

The success of the 28 Years Later franchise is likely to create ripple effects in the UK film industry, leading to increased hiring in production and post-production roles. Additionally, local cinemas can expect a surge in foot traffic, benefiting from the buzz surrounding both the latest release and its sequel.

Policy and regulation

The UK film industry continues to navigate post-pandemic challenges, including regulations that affect cinema operations. The success of such films may lead to discussions regarding tax incentives for filmmakers, which could enhance the local film landscape.

Numbers that matter

$151 million (£111.9 million): Total global earnings for 28 Years Later.
$60 million (£44.4 million): Production budget for 28 Years Later.
89%: Current Rotten Tomatoes rating for 28 Years Later.
14 January 2024: Release date for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.
2002: Year the original film, 28 Days Later, was released.

Definitions and jargon buster

Rage Virus: A fictional virus in the 28 Days Later franchise that induces extreme aggression and violence in its victims.
IP: Intellectual Property, referring to the legal rights over creations of the mind, such as films and characters.
Box Office: The total earnings a film generates from ticket sales in cinemas.
Sequel: A continuation of a story that follows the events of a prior film.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the release of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple approaches, fans should prepare for promotional events and potential sneak peeks. It’s an ideal time to revisit the original films to refresh your understanding of the characters and narrative.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the release of The Bone Temple, audiences will likely engage in discussions about its implications for the overall franchise. Additionally, news regarding the third film's development may emerge, keeping fans engaged with the series.

Signals to watch

Box office performance of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.
Official announcements regarding casting and plot details for the third film.
Critical reception and audience feedback on the sequel.

Practical guidance

Do

Catch up on 28 Days Later and 28 Years Later before the sequel's release.
Follow industry news for updates on the next instalment of the franchise.
Engage with fan communities to discuss theories and expectations for The Bone Temple.

Don’t

Overlook spoilers; avoid discussions that may reveal key plot points before viewing.
Ignore the critical reviews; they can provide insight into the film's quality and themes.
Assume the sequel will be similar to its predecessors without considering its unique direction.

Checklist

Have you watched 28 Days Later and 28 Years Later?
Are you aware of the release date for The Bone Temple?
Have you followed news sources for updates on the third film?
Have you joined any fan discussions online?
Are you prepared for potential spoilers before the sequel's release?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the current trajectory of the 28 Years Later franchise appears promising, there are uncertainties regarding the development of the third film, including potential delays or changes in creative direction. Audience expectations may also play a role in how the sequel and potential future installations are received, as the legacy of the original films looms large.

Bottom line

The 28 Years Later franchise has successfully revitalised interest in horror cinema, setting the stage for a promising sequel and potential third film. Fans can look forward to the release of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, while remaining engaged with the evolving narrative and character arcs. As the horror genre continues to adapt, the future of this franchise seems bright.

FAQs

When is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple released?

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is scheduled for release in UK cinemas on 14 January 2024.

What is the box office performance of 28 Years Later?

28 Years Later has grossed $151 million (£111.9 million) worldwide, significantly exceeding its production budget of $60 million (£44.4 million).

Will Cillian Murphy return for the third film?

Cillian Murphy is reportedly in talks to reprise his role as Jim in the upcoming third film of the franchise.