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A year ago, horror fans were jazzed about the return of Danny Boyle\u2019s 28 Days Later<\/em> franchise with the impending release of 28 Years Later<\/em>. That excitement continued when the film became a big hit after opening in June 2025; at the time, the decision to release 28 Years Later: The Bone<\/em> Temple<\/em>\u00a0just six months later made perfect sense. But when Nia DaCosta\u2019s sequel opened in January 2026, the box office ultimately didn\u2019t reflect the expected audience enthusiasm.<\/p>\n Looking back now, the director (Candyman, The Marvels, Hedda)<\/em> is disappointed by The Bone Temple<\/em>\u2018s failure to reach the same heights as 28 Years Later<\/em>.<\/p>\n Speaking to Empire, she noted the financial shortfall came as something of a surprise, since the film was well-received by both critics and fans (currently at 92% and 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, respectively).<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s 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\u2019t there,\u201d DaCosta told Empire.<\/p>\n She\u2019s aware that the unusually short break between part one and part two of the zombie tale might\u2019ve contributed to the problem. Perhaps it was \u201cmaybe too soon,\u201d she said, with moviegoer confusion happening as a result. \u201cBecause people were like, \u2018Oh yeah, I saw that last summer!\u2019 I\u2019m like, \u2018No, no, so there\u2019s a sequel!’\u201d<\/p>\n Still, it sounds like DaCosta has a healthy perspective on things. \u201cWhen this came out and it didn\u2019t do as well in terms of the money it made, I was disappointed,\u201d she admitted. \u201cBut I also was like, \u2018I\u2019m so happy that when people find the film, they\u2019re going to enjoy the film.\u2019 I wish it made more money, but I\u2019m really proud of it.\u201d<\/p>\n As far as we know, Boyle is still planning to re-team with screenwriter Alex Garland and reunite with original 28 Days Later<\/em> star Cillian Murphy for a third film in the 28 Years Later<\/em> trilogy. However, the last solid update we got on that was in December\u2014in other words, before The Bone Temple<\/em> hit theaters.<\/p>\n Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what\u2019s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote><\/div>\n\n