We’re just two months away from the release of Nia DaCosta’s highly anticipated sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, hitting theaters on January 16, 2026. And the first exclusive image has arrived, teasing a return to terror.

Collider shared a new look at the film, highlighting Ralph Fiennes reprising his role as the enigmatic Dr. Kelson. Also back is Chi Lewis-Parry as the notorious “Alpha” Samson, the monstrous figure who shocked audiences in Danny Boyle’s original 28 Years Later. Don’t worry — in this sneak peek, Samson is modestly covered up, but the menace remains palpable.

The titular Bone Temple was a central location in Boyle’s original trilogy-starter, and DaCosta’s sequel confirms we’re returning to that haunting place. The story now centers on Jack O’Connell’s Sir Jimmy Crystal and his band of ruthless villains, with young hero Spike (Alfie Williams) back to face new horrors.

Here’s the official synopsis from Sony:

Expanding upon the world created by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland in 28 Years Later but turning that world on its head – Nia DaCosta directs 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.
In a continuation of the epic story, Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) finds himself in a shocking new relationship – with consequences that could change the world as they know it – and Spike’s (Alfie Williams) encounter with Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) becomes a nightmare he can’t escape. In the world of The Bone Temple, the infected are no longer the greatest threat to survival – the inhumanity of the survivors can be stranger and more terrifying.

Fans of the franchise will also spot a brief return from Cillian Murphy’s character from 28 Days Later, while the script is once again penned by Alex Garland, ensuring the sequel retains the chilling tone and narrative complexity fans expect.

With Nia DaCosta at the helm, The Bone Temple promises to turn the familiar post-apocalyptic world upside down, proving that in a world of infection, sometimes the living are far scarier than the undead.