Bone Temple’s Box Office Stumble Puts 28 Years Later 3 on Ice

The 28 Years Later revival just hit a speed bump. The Bone Temple earned raves from critics and audiences, then face-planted at the box office. And that gap between love and money is now messing with the franchise's timeline.

So what happened

The Bone Temple is the newest chapter in the post-apocalyptic saga, and by most accounts, it delivered creatively. Financially, not so much. The movie underperformed enough that the studio is treating it like a box office bomb, which has immediate ripple effects for what comes next.

What about the third movie?

There is a third film officially announced, meant to close out this new trilogy, with Cillian Murphy lined up for a more prominent role. That is still on the books. But after The Bone Temple's soft haul, the studio is easing off the accelerator. Nothing is canceled, yet the urgency is gone, which likely means a longer wait before cameras roll.

Streaming interest vs theaters

Here is the wrinkle: Netflix has shown interest in the next entry. At the same time, Danny Boyle wants to keep this series theatrical. That push-pull could shape how and when the finale actually happens.

Where things stand

• The Bone Temple drew strong reviews but fell short at the box office.
• The third film was announced as the trilogy capper and remains in play.
• Plans have slowed; the studio is not rushing the sequel into production.
• Cillian Murphy is expected to have a bigger role in the finale.
• Netflix is interested, but Boyle is aiming for a theatrical release.

The bigger picture

This middle chapter expanded the outbreak world launched by the original film, but the numbers did not keep pace with the buzz. For now, expect the franchise to catch its breath while everyone figures out how to land the finale — and where it will actually debut.