First Reactions to ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ Surge Online

UPDATE: Just hours after its first screenings, social media is buzzing with reactions to the highly anticipated sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Initial responses indicate that this film is not only a worthy follow-up but also a significantly weirder entry into the franchise.

As official critics’ reviews remain under embargo until closer to its release date on January 16, 2026, Columbia Pictures has allowed select press in the U.S. and U.K. to share immediate reactions from last night’s screenings. Fans are eager to know how the film expands upon the original narrative, and it appears to deliver on those expectations.

Set in the aftermath of the Rage Virus outbreak, Bone Temple follows the human survivors in the North East of England. The story revolves around two central characters: Dr. Ian Kelson, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, who is on a quest to find a cure, and Spike, played by Alfie Williams, who gets entangled with the murderous gang of Sir Jimmy Crystal, depicted by Jack O’Connell.

Director Nia DaCosta, known for her work on Hedda and Candyman, takes the helm from original director Danny Boyle. This film serves as the middle installment in a new trilogy of the genre-defining 28 Days Later franchise. DaCosta previously hinted at exciting plot details during the Edinburgh Film Festival, revealing that acclaimed filmmaker Jonathan Glazer played a pivotal role in encouraging her to take on this project.

The first film, released in June, was a critical sensation, achieving an impressive 89 percent critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and grossing over $150 million at the box office against a budget of $60 million. With Boyle and Alex Garland producing, and Garland also writing the script for Bone Temple, expectations are running high. Boyle is set to return as director for the trilogy’s final installment.

Social media reactions highlight a mixture of excitement and intrigue, with fans ready to dive into the eerie world that Bone Temple presents. As anticipation builds for the film’s official release, viewers are already discussing the potential for surprises and what this sequel might reveal about the franchise’s future.

Stay tuned as we follow the latest updates leading to the January 16 premiere, and keep an eye on social media for more fan reactions and insights. This film is shaping up to be a must-see for horror enthusiasts and fans of the franchise alike.