28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Is Coming to Netflix on March 31, 2026 in the US: Release Date, Cast, Plot, and Streaming Details

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Netflix release date

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple will officially hit Netflix on March 31, 2026. This date marks the movie’s SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand) debut, giving Netflix subscribers in the United States their first chance to stream the post-apocalyptic horror sequel at no extra cost. The streaming release comes via a Pay-1 window deal between Sony Pictures and Netflix, which secures Netflix as the exclusive streaming home for Sony’s theatrical films after their cinema and digital rental runs.

Notably, the move to Netflix is happening just 74 days after the U.S. theatrical premiere, a relatively quick turnaround that mirrors the speedy streaming strategy used for the previous film, 28 Years Later (2025). Fans of the franchise can mark March 31 on their calendars to revisit the Rage Virus chaos from the comfort of home.

Is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple coming to Netflix in the US only

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is scheduled to arrive on Netflix US on March 31, 2026, as part of the Sony-Netflix licensing deal. While American viewers receive priority access during the first Pay-1 window, select other regions may see a release around the same time. International availability in markets like the UK may be delayed until the deal expands globally, which is expected by 2027.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple theatrical release date and digital release

The film followed a swift distribution cycle, premiering in UK cinemas on January 13, 2026, and in the US on January 16, 2026. It moved to digital VOD platforms (Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, etc.) on February 17, 2026. Physical media, including Blu-ray and DVD, is scheduled for release in late April 2026.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple cast list

The ensemble cast includes:

• Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Ian Kelson
• Jack O’Connell as “Sir Lord” Jimmy Crystal
• Alfie Williams as Spike
• Erin Kellyman as Jimmy Ink (Kellie)
• Chi Lewis-Parry as Samson
• Emma Laird as Jimmima
• Sam Locke, Robert Rhodes, Ghazi Al Ruffai, Maura Bird (Jimmy Jones), and Connor Newall as members of the “Jimmys” gang
• Louis Ashbourne Serkis as Tom
• Mirren Mack as Cathy
• Cillian Murphy as Jim (uncredited cameo)

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple characters explained

The story centers on Dr. Ian Kelson, an obsessive scientist researching a cure using an Alpha infected named Samson in an underground ossuary. The antagonist, “Sir Lord” Jimmy Crystal, leads a sadistic survivor cult called the “Jimmys” (or Fingers) who worship the virus. Spike is a young survivor forced into the cult, while Jimmy Ink (Kellie) is a member who eventually aids him. Cathy is a pregnant survivor fighting for her family, and Jim makes a brief appearance to tie the story to the original film.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple plot summary

Picking up after the 2025 film, Dr. Kelson conducts experiments on Samson in the “Bone Temple” bunker, hoping to reverse the Rage Virus. Meanwhile, Jimmy Crystal’s cult terrorizes the wasteland and captures Spike. The cult eventually discovers the Bone Temple, leading to a violent clash. Kelson is mortally wounded, the cult implodes, and Jimmy Crystal is defeated. Spike and Kellie survive, and the film ends with the arrival of Jim.

Who is Dr. Ian Kelson in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

Portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, Dr. Kelson is a former GP and fanatical scientist who built an ossuary to honor victims and study the infected. He is a morally gray character who acts as a mentor to Spike and risks his life to find a cure. He ultimately dies during the confrontation with Jimmy Crystal’s gang.

Who is Jimmy Crystal in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

Jimmy Crystal, played by Jack O’Connell, is a deranged warlord who views the Rage Virus as a divine gift. He uses fear, rituals, and a persona inspired by Jimmy Savile to control his followers. He serves as a foil to Dr. Kelson, representing human depravity in the post-apocalyptic world before meeting a horrific end.

Who directed 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

The film was directed by Nia DaCosta, known for Candyman and The Marvels. She brought a claustrophobic, psychological dread to the project, focusing on character-driven horror. She worked in collaboration with Danny Boyle and Alex Garland to ensure the film felt connected to the franchise while maintaining her own style.

Who wrote 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

Alex Garland, the creator of 28 Days Later, wrote the screenplay. He expanded on the lore of the Rage Virus and the “nature of evil.” Garland collaborated with DaCosta to increase the horror elements and ensured the script functioned as the middle chapter of a planned trilogy, including the return of Cillian Murphy’s character.

How 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple connects to 28 Years Later

The film is a direct sequel to 28 Years Later (2025), picking up the timeline immediately after that film’s cliffhanger. It continues the arcs of Kelson, Spike, and Jimmy Crystal, shifting the tone from open-road survival to contained psychological horror. The appearance of Jim also connects this new narrative back to the original 2002 film.

Is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple the second movie in the new trilogy

Yes, it is the second installment (Part II) of a new trilogy planned by Boyle and Garland. It follows 28 Years Later (2025) and will be followed by a third, currently untitled, film. While it is the fourth film in the overall franchise, it serves as the middle act of the “Years” story arc.

Where to watch 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple before Netflix

To watch 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple before its March 31, 2026, Netflix debut, viewers can use Digital VOD platforms. Since February 17, 2026, the film has been available for rent or purchase on services including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and Fandango at Home. While the theatrical run that began on January 16, 2026, has mostly concluded, some discount theaters or special double-feature screenings may still be available. Physical media, including Blu-ray and DVD, is scheduled for release on April 21, 2026.

28 Years Later franchise timeline explained

The franchise timeline spans several decades following the initial Rage Virus outbreak:

1. 28 Days Later (2002): Set one month after the outbreak, focusing on the immediate collapse of society and the character Jim.
2. 28 Weeks Later (2007): Set roughly six to seven months post-outbreak, involving military resettlement efforts and the virus spreading to mainland Europe.
3. 28 Years Later (2025): Set approximately 28 years after the initial outbreak (around 2030), exploring a transformed world where survivors live in island sanctuaries or ruined mainland areas.
4. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026): A direct sequel to the 2025 film, continuing the story shortly after its conclusion.
5. Untitled Fifth Film (TBA): A planned installment intended to conclude the “28 Years” trilogy and potentially bring the narrative full circle with returning characters.

The viewing order follows the release order, moving from the initial shock of the outbreak to the long-term societal impact a generation later.

Will there be another 28 Years Later movie after The Bone Temple

A third film in the “28 Years” trilogy (the fifth film overall) was originally greenlit by Sony Pictures, with Danny Boyle and Alex Garland planning to wrap up the saga. However, the future of the project is currently uncertain due to The Bone Temple’s box office performance, earning $57 million against a $63 million budget. While the film is officially “in development,” the studio has not yet scheduled production. Potential success on Netflix and the commitment of the creative team, including Cillian Murphy’s interest in returning, remain positive indicators for the final chapter’s eventual completion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When will 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple be on Netflix?
   28 Years Later: The Bone Temple will be available to stream on Netflix (U.S.) starting March 31, 2026. This is the date when the movie hits Netflix’s catalog for subscribers in the United States.
2. Is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple coming to Netflix in other countries or only the US?
   Initially, it’s streaming on Netflix in the United States (and perhaps a few select regions) from March 31, 2026. Other countries may not get it on Netflix immediately due to regional rights. The Sony-Netflix deal covers the U.S. first and will expand globally by 2027, so international Netflix viewers might have to wait a bit or use other platforms until then.
3. What is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple about?
   It’s a post-apocalyptic horror film (sequel to 28 Years Later 2025) that follows Dr. Ian Kelson who is experimenting on an infected inside a bunker called the Bone Temple, and Jimmy Crystal, a cult leader of survivors who worship the Rage Virus. The plot intertwines Kelson’s attempt to find a cure with Jimmy’s violent cult activities, all while the Rage-infected zombies roam outside. It’s a tense story showing that other survivors can be as dangerous as the infected.
4. Do I need to watch 28 Years Later (2025) before watching The Bone Temple?
   It’s highly recommended. The Bone Temple is a direct sequel and picks up right after the 2025 film. Many characters (like Dr. Kelson, Spike, Jimmy) and ongoing storylines continue from there. While the film does provide some context, you’ll understand the stakes and character backgrounds much better if you’ve seen 28 Years Later (2025) first. Also, having knowledge of 28 Days Later (2002) and 28 Weeks Later (2007) will enrich your understanding of the overall universe (especially since a character from 2002’s film appears at the end of Bone Temple), but the most crucial is to watch the immediate predecessor.
5. Who are the main characters in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple?
   The key characters include Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), a doctor trying to cure the virus; Sir Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell), the psychopathic cult leader antagonist; Spike (Alfie Williams), a young survivor caught by Jimmy’s gang; Jimmy Ink / Kellie (Erin Kellyman), a gang member who befriends Spike; and Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry), an alpha infected that Kelson is experimenting on. Additionally, Cathy (Mirren Mack) is a pregnant survivor, and Jim (Cillian Murphy) from the original 28 Days Later makes a cameo, linking back to the first film.
6. Who is in the cast of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple?
   The film’s cast features Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Kelson, Jack O’Connell as Jimmy Crystal, Alfie Williams as Spike, Erin Kellyman as Jimmy Ink, Chi Lewis-Parry as Samson, and supporting roles by Emma Laird, Sam Locke, Louis Ashbourne Serkis, Mirren Mack, among others. Notably, Cillian Murphy appears in an uncredited cameo, reprising his role as Jim from 28 Days Later. It’s a mix of acclaimed actors and up-and-coming talent, all delivering strong performances.
7. Who directed and wrote 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple?
   The Bone Temple was directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Alex Garland. DaCosta is known for directing Candyman (2021) and she brought a unique vision to this sequel, while Alex Garland – who wrote the original 28 Days Later – returned to pen the screenplay, ensuring continuity in the story and themes. Danny Boyle (the original director) did not direct this one, but he was involved as a producer alongside Garland.
8. Is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple the second movie in a trilogy?
   Yes. It’s conceived as the middle entry of a new trilogy planned by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland. The sequence is 28 Years Later (first part, 2025), then The Bone Temple (second part, 2026), and a third movie is intended to follow. This trilogy is separate but related to the original two films (28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later). So, The Bone Temple is essentially 28 Years Later – Part 2.
9. How does The Bone Temple connect to 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later?
   The Bone Temple connects to the original films mainly through continuity of the Rage Virus setting and, at the end, through Jim’s return (Cillian Murphy’s character from 28 Days Later). Story-wise, the new “Years Later” films take place long after the events of 28 Weeks Later, so they show the outcome decades later of the same virus outbreak. There are references to the past (e.g., mentions of the original epidemic and its victims, and of course Jim’s cameo bridges directly to the 2002 film). However, The Bone Temple’s immediate storyline is mostly tied to 28 Years Later (2025). In short, it’s set in the same universe – the virus that started in 28 Days is still causing havoc 28 years on – and by the ending, it literally brings back a key figure from the first movie, indicating the stories are converging.
10. Will there be a sequel to 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple?
    A sequel is planned but not yet in production. The third movie of the “28 Years” trilogy has been discussed and even greenlit before, but due to The Bone Temple’s modest box office, it’s in a bit of limbo. The filmmakers have set up a sequel (and you can tell by the open-ended finale that another film is intended). As of now, it’s in development with no release date announced. It will likely depend on factors like audience demand, streaming success, and budget. The expectation is that it will eventually happen, bringing back characters like Jim and concluding the story. Keep an eye out for official announcements from the studio.

Conclusion

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is a major expansion of the franchise that bridges the new trilogy with the original 2002 film. Its debut on Netflix US on March 31, 2026, allows a broader audience to see the progression of the Rage Virus lore and the intense human drama directed by Nia DaCosta. While the future of a final sequel depends on the film’s long-term performance, this installment effectively deepens the saga’s exploration of survival and humanity nearly three decades after the world ended. fighting to survive.

sources and citation

1. What’s on Netflix – Kasey Moore, “’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ Gets Netflix Premiere Date” (Mar. 17, 2026).
   https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/28-years-later-the-bone-temple-netflix-streaming-release-date/
2. FandomWire – Santanu Roy, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Sets Netflix Release Date” (Mar. 17, 2026).
   https://fandomwire.com/28-years-later-the-bone-temple-netflix-release-date/
3. Wikipedia – “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.”
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/28_Years_Later%3A_The_Bone_Temple
4. Wikipedia – “28 Days Later (film series).”
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/28_Days_Later_%28film_series%29
5. Rotten Tomatoes – “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” (official film page with synopsis/summary).
   https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/28_years_later_the_bone_temple
6. Rotten Tomatoes – “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” (same page, “Where to Watch” section confirming rental/VOD).
   https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/28_years_later_the_bone_temple
7. World of Reel – Jordan Ruimy, “‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ Hits VOD — Third Chapter Now in Limbo” (Feb. 17, 2026).
   https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2026/2/17/28-years-later-the-bone-temple-hits-vod-third-chapter-now-at-risk
8. Wikipedia – “28 Years Later.”
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/28_Years_Later
9. GamesRadar+ – Amy West, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple director praises Danny Boyle and Alex Garland for ‘really letting me do my thing’ with the horror sequel” (used as one of the production interview sources summarized on Wikipedia).
   https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/horror-movies/28-years-later-the-bone-temple-director-praises-danny-boyle-and-alex-garland-for-really-letting-me-do-my-thing-with-the-horror-sequel-i-feel-so-protective-of-that-legacy/
10. Fangoria – Amber T, “Exclusive Interview: Ralph Fiennes And Chi Lewis-Parry On Bringing Heart To THE BONE TEMPLE” (used as one of the production interview sources summarized on Wikipedia).
    https://www.fangoria.com/exclusive-interview-ralph-fiennes-chi-lewis-parry-the-bone-temple/
11. Box Office Mojo – “28 Years Later (2025).”
    https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt10548174/
12. Box Office Mojo – “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026).”
    https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt32141377/

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