The upcoming horror sequel 28 years later the bone temple is the fourth film in the iconic rage-virus franchise. Directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Alex Garland, it picks up where 2025’s 28 Years Later left off, pushing the story into darker and stranger territory. The film is set to release in U.S. theaters on January 16, 2026, making it one of the first major horror events of the year.
28 Years Later The Bone Temple
Where the Story Picks Up
The movie continues the journey of Spike (Alfie Williams), who now finds himself entangled with the violent cult of Sir Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell). This gang, known as “The Jimmies,” is ruthless, uniform, and worships their leader with dangerous devotion. At the same time, Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) experiments on Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry), a terrifying Alpha virus-carrier. The story weaves Spike between these two power centers, showing how survival often forces people into impossible choices.
28 Years Later The Bone Temple
Who’s in the Cast?
The film stars an impressive lineup of actors:
- Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Kelson
- Jack O’Connell as cult leader Jimmy
- Alfie Williams as Spike
- Erin Kellyman as a member of Jimmy’s outlaw posse
- Chi Lewis-Parry as the monstrous Samson
Behind the camera, DaCosta takes over directing duties while Alex Garland delivers another sharp script. Producers include Danny Boyle and Andrew Macdonald, with Cillian Murphy serving as executive producer.
The Tone and Style
Unlike a typical horror sequel, 28 years later the bone temple isn’t just about gore. DaCosta describes the movie as having a “bonkers, off-the-wall, surprising energy.” O’Connell adds that this film feels like the “weird, deranged cousin” to its predecessor. The result promises to be a mix of shocking body horror, cult psychology, and a deep exploration of human evil in apocalyptic times.
28 Years Later The Bone Temple
What the Trailer Reveals
The first trailer gives fans only a taste, but it’s enough to build hype. We see Dr. Kelson reaching out to touch Samson, blurring the line between control and self-destruction. We see Spike struggling with loyalty as he moves between Kelson’s experiments and Jimmy’s cult rituals. The trailer doesn’t reveal the full plot — instead, it establishes a mood of dread, chaos, and escalating violence.
Themes of the Film
The central theme of 28 years later the bone temple is the question of whether the infected or the survivors are more dangerous. The cult of the Jimmies represents human darkness, while Kelson’s twisted science embodies the arrogance of playing god. As DaCosta explains, the film isn’t only about the infected — it’s about what happens when society collapses and people create new, destructive belief systems.
Why Horror Fans Should Be Excited
For U.S. audiences, this sequel offers several reasons to get excited:
- A fresh vision from DaCosta paired with Garland’s storytelling.
- Prestige performances from actors like Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell.
- Bigger scale, expanding the infected universe across a devastated England.
- Cult psychology layered with gore and apocalyptic energy.
This isn’t just another January horror release — it’s a high-profile continuation of one of the most beloved franchises in modern horror.
Release Details at a Glance
- Film title: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
- U.S. release date: January 16, 2026
- Director: Nia DaCosta
- Writer: Alex Garland
- Key cast: Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman, Chi Lewis-Parry
- Franchise connection: Direct sequel to 2025’s 28 Years Later
Final Takeaway
With its mix of cult terror, human corruption, and rage-infected chaos, 28 years later the bone temple looks set to push the franchise in bold new directions. Expect it to raise tough questions about survival, morality, and the blurred line between monster and man — all while delivering the “off-the-wall” energy horror fans crave.