Nia DaCosta Is Just as Disappointed by the ‘Bone Temple’ Box Office as You Are

A year ago, horror fans were excited for the return of Danny Boyle 28 days later franchise with the impending release of after 28 years. The excitement continued when the film became a huge hit after its release in June 2025; At that time, the decision to release 28 years later: bone Temple Only after six months the true meaning was understood. But when Nia DaCosta’s sequel opened in January 2026, the box office ultimately fell short of expectations.

Look back now, director (Candyman, The Marvels, Hedda) is disappointed with bone templefailure to reach the same heights as after 28 years.

Speaking to Empire, he said that the financial shortfall was a surprise, as the film was well received by both critics and fans (currently 92% and 88% respectively on Rotten Tomatoes).

“It’s so funny, because literally every barometer we use in the industry to determine whether a movie is good or not, and whether people like it and want to see it, was through the roof, and yet our box office wasn’t there,” DaCosta told Empire.

She learns that the unusually short gap between part one and part two of the zombie story may have contributed to the problem. Perhaps it was “probably too early”, she said, resulting in confusion among moviegoers. “Because people were like, ‘Oh yes, I saw it last summer!’ I say, ‘No, no, there’s a sequel!’

Still, it seems like DaCosta has a healthy outlook on things. He admitted, “When it came out and it didn’t do that well in terms of earnings, I was disappointed.” “But I was also saying, ‘I’m so happy that when people get the movie, they’ll enjoy the movie.’ I wish it made more money, but I’m really proud of it.”

As far as we know, Boyle is still planning to re-team with screenwriter Alex Garland and reunite with the original 28 days later Cillian Murphy to star in third film after 28 years Trilogy. However, the last solid update we got on it was in December – in other words, before bone temple Hit the theatres.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.