Here’s a surprise. Sony Pictures not only decided to surprise screen Nia DaCosta’s “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple”in NYC, almost six weeks before its release, but they’ve also allowed social media reactions to roam freely online.
No surprise, the reactions are glowing for the film, as they usually are for such early peeks, but actual reviews are embargoed until January. So what we’re left with are excited voices chiming in — the ones publicists deem safe to invite to such advance, influencer-heavy shindigs.
That said, test-screening reports from late August did suggest Sony might have a winner here. There were multiple applause breaks during the film. One attendee who loved the first instalment told me, “I thought part one was outstanding, but this surpassed it.”
Jack O’Connell, fresh off “Sinners,” is already being touted for the villain performance of 2026. The core dynamic plays out as a duel between O’Connell and Ralph Fiennes’ bone-shriner, Dr. Ian Kelson, who enjoys a larger role than in the first instalment and delivers a turn said to be “even better” than in the previous film.
The script, written by Alex Garland, is earning considerable praise — especially the third act, which reportedly drew a strong reaction from attendees once the narrative makes a bold pivot. One person suggested there’s a sequence in the final act that will be discussed throughout 2026.
Cinematically, the sequel adopts a more traditional style than its predecessor. Unlike the first film, there’s no indication that iPhones or handheld cameras dominated production; instead, DaCosta leans into a more classical filmmaking approach.
DaCosta is the filmmaker responsible, infamously, for “The Marvels.” Her other credits include the 2018 indie “Little Woods” 2021’s “Candyman” remake, and this fall’s “Hedda.”
The sequel’s timing is notable given the franchise’s current position. Danny Boyle’s “28 Years Later” earned $70M domestically and $150M worldwide, but despite strong reviews, it hasn’t connected with general audiences as strongly as Sony hoped.
The third and final entry remains unfunded by Sony, and its future hinges entirely on the second instalment’s performance. Boyle has even said that Cillian Murphy would lead the third film — likely an effort to help sell the project to audiences and to Sony chief Tom Rothman — but whether the studio commits is still unclear. The script for that concluding chapter has yet to be written.
If these early reactions to ‘The Bone Temple’ hold, the sequel has a chance to redeem the franchise and convince Sony to commit to the trilogy’s final chapter, which would star Cillian Murphy.
