‘Bone Temple’ Targets $20M+ MLK Weekend Box Office 28 Years Later

Sony’s latest horror installment, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” is projected to open with over $20 million during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. This sequel significantly expands the franchise created by Alex Garland and directed by Nia DaCosta.

Box Office Expectations

Set to premiere on January 19, “Bone Temple” is expected to join the ranks of 32 films that have crossed the $20 million mark during the MLK weekend. This holiday period is traditionally recognized as a peak time for movie attendance.

• 94% of educational institutions are closed on MLK Day.
• 76-84% of colleges continue their break in the first week of January.
• 37-42% maintain the holiday break through the second weekend.

Marketing and Sneak Previews

Advance ticket sales for “Bone Temple” opened on January 2. The studio previously conducted fan screenings on December 9 across major cities, including Los Angeles, New York, and London. The positive reactions from early viewers may bolster its box office performance.

Franchise Development

The film continues the narrative of “28 Years Later” where human survivors navigate a world still impacted by infected individuals. The original film launched in 2007, grossing $151.3 million globally. “Bone Temple” explores new dynamics within a divided society.

Character Dynamics

New characters, such as Spike and Sir Jimmy Crystal, played by Jack O’Connell, will join Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Kelson. Fiennes’ character confronts an outbreak in the film, promising intense drama and action.

A Franchise with Enduring Appeal

The overall revenue for the “28 Years Later” franchise now approaches $300 million. Previous installments have attracted a diverse audience, with nearly 50% of viewers being men over 25.

• 26% of the audience: women over 25.
• 13%: men under 25.
• 13%: women under 25.

Critical Anticipation

As of now, there are no official critic scores but early reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Fans eagerly anticipate how “Bone Temple” will deepen the existing lore while answering long-standing questions from previous films.

Competitive Releases

Competing for attention during the same weekend are titles such as “Dead Man’s Wire” and “Hamnet,” each vying to make a mark in this busy release period.

With its substantial anticipated earnings and strong franchise backing, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is set to be a highlight of the MLK holiday weekend, bringing both terror and thrill to audiences.