The Bone Temple Set to Dethrone Avatar at the Box Office This Weekend

Let's get into the box office shuffle coming up this weekend, where things are actually about to get interesting. After almost a month of Avatar: Fire and Ash sitting pretty at the top, we've got a fresh challenger—and honestly, it's about time. So, here's what to expect if you actually care about which movie is earning the most money right now.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Could Finally Dethrone Avatar

Six months after 28 Years Later ran through theaters, the next entry, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, looks set to take down Avatar out of the number one spot. Considering James Cameron's sequel has been dominating for nearly four weeks and is closing in on $350 million in domestic box office (likely to finish above $420 million), a new ruler at the top is overdue.

Now, how’s The Bone Temple really going to do? January releases don't usually scream "big blockbuster," but this movie lucked out and grabbed a prime slot during the Martin Luther King Day stretch—which always helps. Critically, it's off to a much warmer reception than last time. Most reviewers are already calling it the best one since 28 Days Later (and, yeah, I agree), which feels like a course correction after the mixed bag that was the last movie.

Potential Box Office Hold-Ups

A quick reality check: The first 28 Years Later opened at $30 million last summer, but then absolutely tanked after fans got word. Not everyone was thrilled back then, and that lukewarm buzz could still put a ceiling on how high The Bone Temple flies. Even so, an $18 million debut looks pretty likely. Hopefully that keeps studio execs at Sony from panicking about moving forward with the already-announced third film, which is supposed to finally bring Cillian Murphy back.

How Will Avatar: Fire and Ash Hold Up?

Don't worry, Avatar: Fire and Ash isn't exactly about to disappear. It should land in second with about $14 million this weekend. Sure, it isn't nearly as leggy as The Way of Water was, but let's be real: It's still one of the biggest and most reliable box office hits of the entire year for Disney, who are probably crying tears of joy at this point.

And the Rest of the Pack...

Here's where things get messy. Zootopia 2 and Lionsgate's The Housemaid are basically fighting for third. Both are expected to pull in around $7 million, so third place could really go either way. Finally, Primate is wrapping up its big-screen run with about $5 million before heading straight to Paramount Plus, where, let's be honest, most people were probably going to watch it anyway.

The Numbers (AKA, A Quick Snapshot)

• 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple: $18 million
• Avatar: Fire and Ash: $14 million
• Zootopia 2: $7 million
• The Housemaid: $6.5 million
• Primate: $5 million

So, what's actually worth your ticket this weekend? Your guess is as good as mine. Whether you're team virus, blue aliens, animated foxes, haunted housekeepers, or whatever Primate is supposed to be, there's at least a little something for everyone in the mix.

If The Bone Temple does pull off the win, it'll be the first thing in weeks that actually knocks Avatar off its high horse. Honestly, not a moment too soon.