28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Challenges Avatar: Fire and Ash at the Box Office

Nia DaCosta’s film, _28 Years Later: The Bone Temple_, has emerged as a significant contender at the domestic box office, dethroning _Avatar: Fire and Ash_ after its four-week reign. On its opening day, _The Bone Temple_ grossed $5.6 million from 3,506 North American theaters and is projected to earn approximately $15 million over the extended Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. This sequel follows the successful _28 Years Later_, which opened to $30 million last summer and grossed $70 million domestically and $150 million worldwide. _The Bone Temple_ has a production budget of $63 million, slightly higher than its predecessor.

Variety Magazine

Despite its lower opening compared to the first film, _The Bone Temple_ has received positive reviews, boasting a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an A- CinemaScore, a notable achievement for a horror film. The sequel features returning actors Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell, alongside new cast members Erin Kellyman and Chi Lewis-Parry. Critics have praised the film for its depth and direction, highlighting DaCosta's ability to elevate the franchise.

Hollywood Reporter

The competition between _The Bone Temple_ and _Avatar: Fire and Ash_ has been intense. _Avatar_ earned $3.2 million on its fifth Friday and is expected to reach around $17 million over the holiday weekend, bringing its domestic total to approximately $367 million. The ongoing success of _Avatar_ underscores the challenges faced by _The Bone Temple_, which is projected to earn significantly less than initially anticipated. Industry analysts had expected _The Bone Temple_ to open closer to $20 million, but it has fallen short of those projections.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Officially Ends Avatar 3's Box Office #1 Streak After 27 Days

Despite the underwhelming box office performance, there are plans for a third installment in the _28 Years Later_ franchise, with Cillian Murphy in talks to return and Alex Garland set to write the screenplay. The continuation of the franchise indicates a commitment from Sony to explore further narratives within this universe, even as the current film faces challenges in achieving profitability.

‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ Takes a Bite Out of ’Avatar 3’s Box Office Domination

Critics have noted that audience reception to the previous installment may have impacted the sequel's performance. While _The Bone Temple_ is considered a better film by many reviewers, the initial audience response to _28 Years Later_ was lukewarm, which may have influenced ticket sales. Some industry insiders speculate that if the sequel does not stabilize in the coming weeks, Sony may reconsider its plans for the third film, potentially shifting it to a streaming release.

Box Office Update: Avatar might beat The Bone Temple as the zombie sequel underperforms

In summary, _28 Years Later: The Bone Temple_ has made a notable entrance into the box office landscape, challenging the dominance of _Avatar: Fire and Ash_. While it has garnered critical acclaim, its financial performance raises questions about the future of the franchise. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the film can build momentum and secure its place in the competitive box office environment.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Officially Ends Avatar 3's Box Office #1 Streak After 27 Days