Ralph Fiennes dancing to Iron Maiden in a post-apocalyptic horror film wasn’t on anyone’s 2025 bingo card.
Yet here we are.
The legendary British metal band has broken their silence on that unforgettable scene from 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, where their iconic track “The Number Of The Beast” soundtracks one of cinema’s most talked-about moments this year.
And they’ve confirmed this is just the beginning of their big-screen takeover.
The Scene That Stopped The Internet
In director Nia DaCosta’s critically acclaimed sequel to last year’s 28 Years Later, Ralph Fiennes delivers a performance for the ages as Dr. Kelson.
The climactic scene features Fiennes’ character moving eerily to Iron Maiden’s 1982 anthem “The Number Of The Beast.” It’s disturbing, captivating, and utterly unforgettable—everything fans have come to expect from this franchise.
What makes this placement particularly noteworthy is Iron Maiden’s notorious selectivity when licensing their music. Hearing their tracks in films or television remains remarkably rare, making each appearance feel like a genuine event.
Why Maiden Said Yes
Speaking to Planet Rock, the band revealed what convinced them to grant permission for this high-profile usage.
We were delighted to be offered this placement prior to the shooting of the last two [28 Years Later] movies and whilst we knew it was a pivotal scene, we couldn’t have foreseen just how incredible it was going to be.
The decision wasn’t taken lightly. Iron Maiden carefully guards their catalog, understanding that each placement shapes how audiences experience their music.
We don’t let many people use our music but with the British vibe of this series and the knowledge that Danny Boyle, Alex Garland and director Nia DaCosta [made the film], we felt it was a calculated risk!
That calculated risk has paid off spectacularly. Social media exploded following the film’s release, with fans celebrating both Fiennes’ committed performance and the perfect marriage of visuals and soundtrack.
Maiden’s Big Screen Invasion Continues
This isn’t even Iron Maiden’s only recent foray into popular culture. Just weeks before The Bone Temple hit theaters, their classic “The Trooper” featured prominently in the finale of Netflix’s cultural phenomenon Stranger Things.
Two major placements in quick succession for a band that rarely licenses music? Something special is happening.
And the band isn’t finished yet. They’ve teased yet another appearance coming soon.
We’re all so chuffed how it came out, and, like buses come in threes, we’ve also got another great track in the forthcoming Corin Hardy horror movie, Whistle out for Valentines Day!