Sony’s horror sequel is tracking for a massive opening weekend that could cement its place among the highest-grossing MLK holiday debuts of all time.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is projected to pull in over $20 million during its 4-day Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend opening, according to early tracking data.
Director Nia DaCosta’s follow-up to last summer’s surprise hit would join an elite group of just 32 films to crack the $20M threshold during the traditionally lucrative holiday frame.
The British horror film, written by Alex Garland and produced by Danny Boyle, is generating buzz that suggests the zombie franchise still has plenty of bite left.
Perfect Timing for Horror’s Big Return
MLK Day falls on January 19 this year, traditionally marking the final surge of holiday moviegoing season.
The timing couldn’t be better. While 94% of colleges and K-12 schools are closed for the Monday holiday according to ComScore data, many students remain on extended winter breaks during this period.
Between 76%-84% of colleges stay on break during the first week of January, with 37%-42% still closed during the second weekend. That translates to more potential butts in theater seats when The Bone Temple drops.
Tickets go on sale January 2, and advance presales will play a crucial role in refining box office projections alongside traditional tracking metrics.
Early Fan Reactions Signal Strong Word-of-Mouth
Sony kicked off promotional efforts with strategic early fan screenings on December 9 across major cities including Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Austin, London, Paris, and Berlin.
The response at AMC’s Century City location was so overwhelmingly positive that Sony immediately moved forward with their option for a third 28 Years Later title.
Cillian Murphy is in talks to star in the fifth overall franchise installment, with Garland already penning the screenplay.
Boyle himself expressed interest in returning to the director’s chair during the summer press tour, stating he’d like to helm the next movie.
What Makes The Bone Temple Different
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple picks up immediately after the events of its predecessor, exploring a dramatically divided society years after the initial outbreak.
The infected haven’t disappeared—they’re contained in wilderness areas, separated from human survivors who’ve rebuilt civilization behind protective barriers.
The plot follows young Spike as he joins forces with Sir Jimmy Crystal’s gang, played by Jack O’Connell. Meanwhile, Ralph Fiennes portrays Dr. Kelson, who works desperately to quell any remaining infected outbreaks.
A Franchise Built on Success
The first 28 Years Later opened last June to an impressive $30 million stateside debut, ultimately grossing $70.4 million domestically and $151.3 million worldwide.
Boyle directed that second installment in the series, which attracted a diverse audience breakdown:
- 50% men over 25
- 26% women over 25
- 13% men under 25
- 13% women under 25
Across three features since 2002, the entire British horror series has generated close to $300 million worldwide—a testament to the franchise’s enduring appeal.
Tracking Signals Strong Male Audience Appeal
The Bone Temple is currently registering as a first choice on tracking among men over 25, followed closely by women under 25.
The film’s tracking scores mirror those of last year’s Nosferatu, which posted a 3-day opening of $21.6 million over the Christmas stretch and a 5-day total of $40.8 million.
That comparison is particularly promising, as Nosferatu benefited from strong critical acclaim and robust word-of-mouth that sustained its theatrical run.
No Reviews Yet, But Social Buzz is Electric
Rotten Tomatoes critics and audience scores haven’t been released yet, but early reactions from fans and press who attended screenings have been overwhelmingly positive.
Social media erupted with praise following the December 9 preview screenings, with attendees calling the film “visceral,” “terrifying,” and “everything fans could hope for.”
Sony Riding High After Anaconda Success
Sony enters 2025 with considerable momentum after keeping big-screen comedies alive over the Christmas period.
The Jack Black-Paul Rudd comedy Anaconda posted a solid $23.6 million 4-day opening over the holiday stretch, demonstrating the studio’s ability to draw diverse audiences during competitive release windows.
That success bodes well for The Bone Temple, which benefits from established franchise recognition and genre appeal.
Competition on the Horizon
The horror sequel won’t have the MLK weekend box office entirely to itself.
Distributor Row K will release its first theatrical title, Dead Man’s Wire from director Gus Van Sant, on January 16 alongside The Bone Temple.
Focus Features is also expanding Chloe Zhao’s Oscar contender Hamnet into wide release after a successful limited run.
However, horror historically performs well during holiday weekends when audiences seek communal theatrical experiences, potentially giving The Bone Temple an edge over prestige dramas and smaller independent releases.
What This Means for Horror Cinema
If 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple hits its projected $20M-plus opening, it will represent another data point in horror’s continued theatrical dominance.
The genre has consistently delivered for studios willing to invest in quality productions with strong creative voices behind them.
DaCosta’s vision, combined with Garland’s screenplay and Boyle’s producing prowess, creates a pedigree that elevates The Bone Temple beyond typical genre fare.
With advance ticket sales launching January 2 and positive buzz already building, Sony appears positioned for another franchise win that could fuel several more installments in the years ahead.