‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ Director Nia DaCosta Discusses Box Office Results

Big franchises often take unexpected turns. A film can resonate well with critics and audiences, yet the box office figures may not reflect that enthusiasm, leaving filmmakers in a perplexing situation.

‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ serves as the second installment in a planned trilogy by Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland. Directed by Nia DaCosta, this film continues the narrative established in the previous chapter and was filmed back-to-back as part of a broader vision for the franchise.

In an interview with Empire magazine, DaCosta candidly shared her thoughts on the film’s performance.

She expressed surprise at the strong early indicators compared to the final box office results. She remarked, “It’s so funny, because literally every barometer we use in the industry to determine whether or not a movie is good, and people like it and want to see it, was through the roof, and yet our box office wasn’t there.”

The film grossed approximately $58 million worldwide, according to the box office data reported. This figure is significantly lower than its predecessor, which earned over $150 million globally. Nevertheless, both films have generally received positive feedback from critics and audiences alike.

DaCosta also considered potential reasons for the decline in box office performance. She suggested that the quick turnaround between releases might have influenced audience turnout, noting, “Maybe too soon, because people were like, ‘Oh yeah, I saw that last summer!’ I’m like, ‘No, no, so there’s a sequel!’”

Despite the financial outcome, she affirmed her pride in her work. DaCosta shared a personal philosophy she has embraced throughout her career, stating, “My career is for you to enjoy.” She added that while she wished the film had performed better financially, she remains proud of the final product. “I’m so happy that when people find the film, they’re going to enjoy the film. I wish it made more money, but I’m really proud of it.”

The franchise continues to generate interest as it was conceived as a connected trilogy from the outset. The third film is still anticipated, although there has been no definitive update following the recent box office performance. The intention remains to complete the story as planned, but future developments may hinge on the long-term performance of this second installment.

‘28 Years Later’ established the world, and ‘The Bone Temple’ further expands it, following characters navigating a harsh post-apocalyptic landscape where survival is uncertain and new dangers arise. The cast features Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman, and Chi Lewis-Parry.

Despite the mixed financial results, the film’s reception indicates that audience interest persists. The disparity between critical acclaim and box office performance has become a topic of discussion within the industry, particularly for franchise films released in close succession.

For now, DaCosta remains focused on her artistic work rather than the financial figures, while fans eagerly await news on whether the final chapter of the trilogy will proceed as originally intended.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments.