The Bone Temple is the title of the upcoming fourth film in the acclaimed post-apocalyptic horror franchise that began with 28 Days Later in 2002. Officially titled 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the film is scheduled for release in January 2026 and will serve as a direct sequel to 28 Years Later, which premiered in 2025. This new installment continues the franchise’s grim and gripping narrative set in a world still reeling from the effects of the deadly Rage Virus.
The Bone Temple marks a bold shift in tone and direction while remaining rooted in the eerie, violent world established by director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland. While both Boyle and Garland led the production of 28 Years Later, the sequel will be directed by Nia DaCosta, who is best known for her work on Candyman (2021) and Marvel’s The Marvels (2023). Her selection as director points to a fresh creative approach, while Boyle and Garland are expected to remain closely involved in the film’s production and story development.
Returning as a central character is Spike, a 12-year-old boy first introduced in 28 Years Later. Played by Alfie Williams, Spike’s journey from the isolated Holy Island into a desolate mainland United Kingdom formed the emotional and thematic heart of the last film. In The Bone Temple, Spike’s coming-of-age will be explored further in a world where survival requires more than just avoiding the infected. The character will face new personal and moral challenges in a society scarred by the virus and defined by fear, distrust, and strange new social structures.
One of the most exciting announcements for longtime fans is the return of Cillian Murphy as Jim, the original protagonist from 28 Days Later. Jim’s story has remained a mystery since the events of the first film, and his reappearance promises to link the latest films to the franchise’s roots in a meaningful way. While plot details are still under wraps, Murphy’s return may suggest that Jim has played an unseen role in shaping the new world or holds crucial knowledge about the origins or future of the Rage Virus.
The title The Bone Temple itself has sparked widespread speculation. It may refer to a physical location, perhaps a stronghold, cult, or hideout where survivors gather in secret. Others interpret the name as symbolic, possibly pointing to a place of death, remembrance, or twisted worship that reflects how society has evolved in the wake of devastation. The final moments of 28 Years Later, including cryptic references such as “memento mori” by Dr. Kelson, hint that the next film will dive into philosophical and moral themes beyond the usual terror of infection and survival.
The new film may also explore the development of new strains of infected, such as the Alphas seen in 28 Years Later—larger, faster, and more intelligent creatures that threaten even the most experienced survivors. A memorable moment in the previous film featured a pregnant infected woman giving birth to a healthy child, suggesting genetic changes and opening the door to unexplored storylines. These shocking developments set the stage for the unique horror and world-building that The Bone Temple is expected to continue.
The Jimmies, a group introduced late in 28 Years Later, may also play a role. Led by an older version of Jimmy, a boy seen escaping infection in the film’s opening, they bring an unexpected energy with their parkour fighting style and flashy appearance. Their rise could represent a new generation of survivor, one that embraces the chaos and adapts to it rather than simply running from it.
With its planned release in January 2026, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple stands as one of the most anticipated horror films of the coming year. Fans of the franchise are eager to see how Spike’s story unfolds, how Jim’s return affects the narrative, and what the ominous Bone Temple truly represents in the dark future of the Rage-infected world.
