Director Nia DaCosta has finally addressed the disappointing box office performance of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the horror sequel that critics adored but audiences largely skipped in theaters. In a candid new interview with Empire, DaCosta revealed that the film's commercial struggles came as a surprise to everyone involved, especially since every internal metric suggested it would be a hit.
Released in January 2025, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple grossed just $58 million worldwide against a reported budget of $63 million. That's a far cry from the $151 million earned by Danny Boyle's 28 Years Later, which debuted earlier in 2025. The film's underperformance has cast doubt on a previously announced third installment, which was set to be directed by Boyle again. No updates have been provided since The Bone Temple's release.
“It’s so funny, because literally every barometer we use in the industry to determine whether or not a movie is good, and people like it and want to see it, was through the roof, and yet our box office wasn’t there,” DaCosta said. The film holds a stellar 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, and DaCosta noted that test screenings were overwhelmingly positive. Despite that, audiences didn't turn out in the numbers expected.
DaCosta speculated that part of the issue may have been confusion among viewers who didn't realize The Bone Temple was a direct sequel to Boyle's film, given how close together the two movies were released. “I made a great film, and I’m really proud of it, and people liked it,” she said. “And so when this came out, and it didn’t do as well in terms of the money it made, I was disappointed. But I also was like, ‘I’m so happy that when people find the film, they’re going to enjoy the film.’ I wish it made more money, but I’m really proud of it.”
This isn't the first time DaCosta has faced box office disappointment. Her previous film, the MCU sequel The Marvels, became the lowest-grossing installment in the franchise's history, earning just over $200 million worldwide against a reported budget of more than $250 million. Before that, her debut studio project Candyman was delayed due to unforeseen global events. DaCosta addressed The Marvels' underperformance earlier this year, saying, “I look back, and everyone tried their best, and everyone was trying to do the right thing, and it is what it is.”
Despite the box office letdown, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple set up a potential sequel with Cillian Murphy's return teased at the end of the film. However, Sony has yet to make a decision about moving forward. For now, DaCosta remains focused on the positive reception from those who have seen the movie. “I’m so happy that when people find the film, they’re going to enjoy the film,” she reiterated.
For fans of horror, these 10 classic horror movies remain as terrifying today as when they first debuted. And if you're looking for something fresh, Netflix's 'Cracow Monsters' offers eight episodes of Slavic horror brilliance.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on the 28 Years Later franchise and Nia DaCosta's next project.
