28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Director Reacts to $58M Box Office Flop

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple director Nia DaCosta has broken her silence on the sequel's disappointing $58 million worldwide box office performance. According to Empire, DaCosta expressed genuine surprise at the results, suggesting the film's quick release after its predecessor may have confused audiences about whether they'd already seen it.

What went wrong with The Bone Temple's box office?

Despite receiving strong critical reception, The Bone Temple earned just over a third of what 28 Years Later made during its successful run. The original film brought in $151 million worldwide, whilst The Bone Temple managed only $58 million after its January 2026 release.

DaCosta reflected on the stark difference between critical and commercial success. "It's so funny, because literally every barometer we use in the industry to determine whether or not a movie is good, and people like it and want to see it, was through the roof, and yet our box office wasn't there," she explained.

The director remains proud of her work despite the commercial disappointment. "I made a great film, and I'm really proud of it, and people liked it."

Why audiences may have been confused

DaCosta offered a theory for the underwhelming performance: timing. The Bone Temple arrived in cinemas just over six months after 28 Years Later's summer release, potentially creating confusion amongst casual viewers.

"People were like, 'Oh yeah, I saw that last summer!' I'm like, 'No, no, so there's a sequel!'" DaCosta noted, highlighting how the quick turnaround between films may have worked against them.

With The Bone Temple, the strong reviews give it credibility and make it feel like a hidden gem, while limited marketing or niche appeal can still hold it back and make it harder to connect with a wider audience. For a franchise sequel, audience awareness becomes crucial for box office success.

Will there be a Part Three to complete the trilogy?

The future of the planned trilogy remains uncertain following The Bone Temple's commercial performance. Sony had confirmed in December 2025 that it was moving forward with the third instalment — a decision made over a month before The Bone Temple's release.

Elden Ring director Alex Garland, who wrote all the franchise entries, was reportedly working on the third entry, which doesn't have an official title yet. Danny Boyle has expressed interest in directing the concluding chapter.

Cillian Murphy also showed enthusiasm for completing the trilogy following his cameo appearance in The Bone Temple. However, the studio has remained silent on the project's status since the sequel's disappointing performance.

How UAE audiences can watch The Bone Temple

While The Bone Temple had its theatrical run earlier this year, UAE viewers will soon have another chance to experience the sequel. The film hits Netflix on 31 March 2026, giving audiences who missed the cinema release an opportunity to see what critics praised.

The streaming release might help the film find its audience, as DaCosta's comments suggest it deserves more attention than it received during its brief theatrical window.

Where to watch in UAE

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple will be available for streaming on Netflix UAE from 31 March 2026. The film is expected to include Arabic subtitles, though Arabic dubbing availability hasn't been confirmed. The original 28 Years Later remains available on various UAE streaming platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the worldwide box office for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple?

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple made $58 million worldwide, significantly less than its predecessor's $151 million performance.

Who directed 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple?

Nia DaCosta directed 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. She's known for her work on Candyman and The Marvels.

Will there be a Part Three to the 28 Years Later trilogy?

Sony confirmed Part Three development in December 2025, with Alex Garland reportedly working on it. However, the status remains unclear following The Bone Temple's disappointing box office performance.

Why did The Bone Temple flop despite good reviews?

Director Nia DaCosta suggests the quick release timing confused audiences, with many thinking they'd already seen the sequel when it was actually a new film.

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