Are you ready? Sony Pictures just dropped the first trailer for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, and let me tell you—this isn't your dad's zombie movie. Directed by Nia DaCosta (who turned Candyman into a modern classic) and written again by Alex Garland (the mastermind behind the original 28 Days Later), this sequel flips the franchise's core tension on its head. The infected? They're old news. The real monsters here? The survivors. And damn, does it look terrifying.
The Trailer's Bleak Vision: Fear as the New Faith
The trailer opens with a haunting voiceover—something Garland does best—and immediately dives into the chaos. Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes, looking every bit the haunted scientist) is caught in a “shocking new relationship” that could reshape the world. Meanwhile, Spike (Alfie Williams) is haunted by his run-in with Jimmy Crystal (Jack O'Connell), a character we last saw at the end of Garland's 28 Years Later. The tagline “Fear is the new faith” hangs over everything, and it's clear: this isn't just about surviving the outbreak—it's about surviving each other.
DaCosta knows how to twist familiar tropes. With Candyman and The Marvels, she's proven she can reimagine legacy properties while keeping their heart. Here, she's taking Garland's bleak vision and cranking up the psychological dread. The visuals are grittier, more claustrophobic—think Little Woods meets 28 Days Later. The color palette is dominated by deep oranges and blacks, like the world is already burning. And those close-ups? Every actor's face is etched with fear, desperation, or something worse. You can practically smell the sweat in every frame.
Backstage: Shot Back-to-Back, With Purpose
What's wild is that this was shot back-to-back with Garland's own 28 Years Later. Usually, sequels get greenlit years later, but here, Sony doubled down—smart move, honestly. It means the two films will share a consistent tone and continuity, which is rare in Hollywood. The producers (including Danny Boyle, who directed the original) clearly believe in this franchise's staying power. And after watching this trailer, it's easy to see why.
Ralph Fiennes is a revelation as Dr. Kelson. He's played villains and heroes, but here, he's somewhere in between—maybe a man trying to do good but getting pulled into darkness. Alfie Williams as Spike is equally compelling; his dynamic with O'Connell's Jimmy Crystal promises to be explosive. Erin Kellyman and Chi Lewis-Parry round out the cast, adding depth to a story that's already packed with tension.
Mark Your Calendars: January 16, 2026
The Bone Temple hits theaters January 16, 2026. Early next year, which is perfect—by then, we'll all be craving a good scare after the holiday lull. Sony's timing is spot-on, and this trailer is going to build hype fast.
5 Things That Make 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Trailer Unmissable
- DaCosta flips the franchise's core tension: The infected aren't the biggest threat—survivors' inhumanity is.
- Garland's script continues his bleak vision: The tagline “Fear is the new faith” hints at a deeper exploration of belief and survival.
- The cast delivers intensity: Ralph Fiennes and Alfie Williams promise complex, morally gray characters.
- Release date sets up early 2026 buzz: January 16 gives fans something to look forward to after the holidays.
- Visuals amp up the psychological dread: Gritty color palettes and close-ups make every moment feel urgent.
You can catch the full trailer on Sony Pictures' YouTube channel here.
So, is this trailer worth the wait? Hell yes. It's not just a retread of the original—it's a reinvention. DaCosta and Garland are pushing the franchise into new territory, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and what it means to be human when the world falls apart. The infected are scary, but the survivors? They're downright horrifying. If this is any indication, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is going to be one of 2026's most talked-about horror films. And frankly, I can't wait to see it.
