‘The Bone Temple’ Targets $20M+ Debut, Aims for No. 1 on MLK Weekend
With an ambitious target of over $20 million for its opening debut, “The Bone Temple,” the sequel to “28 Years Later,” aims to lead the box office during the Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) weekend. Premiering at around 3,400 theaters in North America, the film is poised to dethrone “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” which is expected to generate between $18 million and $19 million in its fifth week.
Film Overview and Release Details
“The Bone Temple” is set to start previews at 2 p.m. on Thursday across 2,900 locations. The film has been generating significant interest, especially among male audiences aged 25 and older. Tracking suggests the film is on par with other successful recent horror titles.
- Director: Nia DaCosta
- Screenwriter: Alex Garland
- Producer: Danny Boyle
- Production Cost: $63 million
- Opening Weekend Projections: Over $20 million
- Release Date: January 16
Market Competition
Historically, MLK weekend has featured substantial releases to capitalize on the holiday moviegoing trend. In previous years, major films like “Scream” in 2022 and “Avatar: The Way of Water” in 2023 dominated the box office. However, “The Bone Temple” stands out this year as the only major studio release.
Historical Context and Financial Performance
“28 Years Later,” which debuted in June with a remarkable $30 million opening, went on to gross over $70 million domestically. The franchise, including previous installments, has accumulated nearly $300 million worldwide across three films.
Audience demographics for the upcoming film suggest an overwhelming preference among men over 25, similar to that seen for past successful horror releases. The combination of strong preview screenings and fan excitement indicates “The Bone Temple” may repeat this success.
- Previous Film Success: “28 Years Later” – $70.4 million domestic
- Global Gross for Franchise: Approx. $300 million
International Release and Expansion
“The Bone Temple” will also be released internationally, launching in markets such as the UK, France, and Germany. This will significantly widen its audience reach, capturing 98% of projected international markets on its opening days.
Critical Reception and Buzz
Although there are no critic scores available yet, early social media reactions to “The Bone Temple” have been overwhelmingly positive. The film aims to deepen its narrative and bring complexity to its characters, particularly through Ralph Fiennes’ portrayal.
As the MLK weekend approaches, “The Bone Temple” is setting the stage for a notable box office performance. The film is not just a sequel; it is poised to define the next chapter in one of horror’s most intriguing franchises.
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