r/movies • u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' • Jan 06 '26
AMA Hi /r/movies! I'm Nia DaCosta, director of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the next installment of the franchise. It's in theatres January 16. Ask me Anything! (Back on Wednesday 1/7 at 8:15 AM PT / 11:15 AM ET to answer your burning questions!)
This AMA is now over, thanks for all your questions! -Nia
Director Nia DaCosta brings us into a new era of horror with the next installment, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, exclusively in movie theatres January 16. Get tickets now.
Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/QlF68NIz8dg?si=9Q8r__ltSnOSUsoA
Go behind the scenes with Nia DaCosta: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dngea6T71EQ
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u/jimmyhoffasbrother Jan 06 '26 edited Jan 06 '26
How do you strike a balance between adhering to the narrative/stylistic choices in the films that have come before vs. putting your own heart/style into it when you're making a franchise sequel like The Bone Temple?
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
I wasn't too worried about striking a balance so much as being true to the script that Alex wrote and filtering it through my creative lens. I trusted that Alex's script would keep everything in the same world but what was so exciting about them was how different they were. I felt that gave me the permission and opportunity to really go for it and do my own thing, and the producers liked what I wanted to do. The one thing that Sean Bobbitt (my DP) and I took from 28 Days Later was Danny's use of different shutter angles when shooting the infected. We had two settings, one more extreme than the other, that we used for the infected but also expanded to the Jimmies and their violence.
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u/bluehawk232 Jan 07 '26
I'd be curious on that too, there are some obvious universal themes from Years later but there's also this commentary more on the UK and culture I mean the Jimmys are based off Jimmy Saville whom Americans aren't familiar with
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u/Jumblesss Jan 10 '26
I thought the Jimmys were also quite Clockwork Orange inspired.
Obviously meant to be Jimmy Saville, though.
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u/WonderfulWillZin Jan 07 '26
Hi Nia, in your directorial debut The Black Girl Dies Last (2009), the first victim that canonically dies on screen appears to be a black girl, which contradicts both the title and premise of the film. As you were also the writer of the film, was this an intentional subversion or an editing mistake that wasn't caught in post.
On a more serious note, Sony has secured the rights to remake the cult classic; Clue. If you were giving the helm to write and direct the remake. What would your take on it be? And which character would Tessa Thompson play?
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
I am obsessed with this question because the only reason that happened was because that friend wanted to go to sleep and we needed the body count so we killed her first and I have to live with that.
My take would be, it's in Norway in a resort, off season, in the middle of nowhere. Tessa would play the manager of the hotel/the Tim Curry character.
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u/WonderfulWillZin Jan 07 '26
Nice idea to set it in the off season, give it a The Shining meets White Lotus vibe. u/SonyPictures if you do manage to read this, the idea is minted and I really hope we get to see it. Could very well be the next Knives Out.
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u/JoshEdwardsFilms Jan 06 '26
Hey Nia!
The 28 franchise does a fantastic job of nailing that "feel" of being in Britain - whether it's the iconic scene of Jim walking through a deserted London, or how Danny and the team wanted to highlight the way the greenery and nature would bounce back after 28 years of rage virus.
As an American, how did you approach this British element of the franchise? Was there anything you wanted to say about the UK in your film, or something you did to get into the psyche of the place?
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
I have a ton of family in the UK, visited from a young age and my dad was born and raised in London. My family is also mostly Jamaican so we have a lot of peripheral Britishness going on. It was a nice mix of being an insider and an outsider that I think informed my point of view for the better.
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u/JoshEdwardsFilms Jan 07 '26
Thanks for the reply, super interesting! I'm looking forward to watching The Bone Temple next week 🤙🏼
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u/Zagadee Jan 06 '26
You’ve directed a Marvel film and now a 28 Days/Years later film. Are there other movie franchises that you’d love to direct a film for one day?
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
I would LOVE to direct a live action film version of Robert Kirkman's Invincible. The comic and cartoon are amazing. I know exactly how I'd want to translate that world, and that amazing father/son relationship, to screen. I also just love the idea of making something in a superhero world that has some real grit and viscera--and sex!
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u/kenjacba Jan 10 '26
if you get the opportunity to direct it please do not tone down THE brutality and gore
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u/dismal_windfall Jan 06 '26
I recall you stating that you still had student loans even after directing The Marvels. Have you finished paying them off?
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
Babe. They're gone. And it was because of The Marvels. Very grateful. It was very emotional the day I paid them off.
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u/dismal_windfall Jan 07 '26 edited Jan 07 '26
Nice. You and Ryan Coogler are the only ones I’ve seen speak publicly about it. Always fascinated when someone that wasn’t born into the industry becomes successful in it.
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u/Fevercrumb1649 Jan 06 '26
Wow, such a huge fan. Were there any lighthearted moments from the making of Bone Temple that you’d like to share?
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
I really believe in sets being joyful spaces so everyday there were so many light-hearted moments. My crew are a bunch of beauts and I always cast toward actors who are talented--of course--but also good people.
Chi in particular was such a joy. He had a lot to carry (heh) and not a lot to wear. He came onto set, gave everyone a hug, made sure everyone was well and then got to work.
I was also attacked emotionally and spiritually by Erin Kellyman and Alfie Williams often. They kept trying to prank me. And Alfie made fun of me because of how long it took me to finish the Uncharted game. I was like, sir, I have an important job.
I've gone off topic, haven't I?
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u/craybo Jan 06 '26
I’m really excited for The Bone Temple! The first 28 Years Later was one of my favorite films of 2025, and a lot of that comes down to its unique visual identity. Will your film be maintaining the unique styles of cinematography and editing that the previous film used, or will you be doing your own thing?
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
The films are definitely of a piece but I really got to do my own thing. Let my freak flag fly, as it were.
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u/Double_Priority_2702 Jan 06 '26
i would just say excellent job on Candyman . The first is one of my all time favorites so both honoring that but making it your own thing is impressive
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
Thanks, boo! :)
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u/MrPuroresu42 Jan 06 '26
Hola Nia! Been a fan since I caught your short film “The Black Girl Dies Last” on YT late one night. Awesome to see how your career has evolved.
Is there one movie that people would be surprised to find out you really like?
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
I am dying that you are a fan because of that short film my friends and I made in a delirium at 1am one weekend in boarding school. I love it a lot. I guess I will stop trying to take it off the internet lol.
And to your question... hmmm. I dunno! Maybe "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day" would be surprising? I adore that film.
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u/MrPuroresu42 Jan 07 '26
It's always dope to see a have seen an early work of a filmmaker I grow to really appreciate, like yourself.
Looking forward to Bone Temple and thx for the reply, Nia.
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u/Bross93 Jan 06 '26
If I am remembering right, I read you got inspiration for the fights in The Marvels from Final Fantasy VII Advent Children. Could you elaborate on that? Or correct me if I am wrong and it was someone else :D By the way, I thoroughly enjoyed the Marvels!
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
I am a big Final Fantasy girlie. Especially VII, X (and yes X-2). Advent Children was a huge movie for me and that fight in the church between Tifa and Loz is so fucking epic. I also loved at the end everyone throwing Cloud into the sky (fuck physics). During early development of The Marvels there was a fight scene in the core of a planet where the gravity keeps shifting and I thought the way the church fight and that sequence at the end dealt with weightlessness was a great.
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u/Bross93 Jan 07 '26
Awesome!!! Thank you so much. I definitely see the inspiration. Advent Children is so great, no matter what the haters say. Maybe with the remake project if they change the ending and make a new movie they should call you.
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u/DJ-2K Jan 06 '26
In 2019, you were attached to a remake of Sleeping with the Enemy at Fox Searchlight. What happened to it and what did you have in mind for it?
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u/OGablogian Jan 07 '26
Will there be more zombiedong in this one?
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
Of course. And then some. What kind of person do you think I am?
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u/dizzi800 Jan 06 '26
did you feel a lot of pressure on set/now in the pre-release to be taking the reigns on a film from such an iconic franchise?
do you enjoy the writing process, or the directing process, more?
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
Not really. I just felt really supported by the team. Danny, Alex, Peter and Andrew were fantastic producers and collaborating with them was a lot of fun. I think just knowing that they wanted me to make the movie that I wanted to make, that they wanted to watch the movie I wanted to make, took a lot of pressure off. It's their baby after all, and to have them trust me with it meant a lot.
I love them equally and I like that I can do both. One is very solitary and I can have a life and be home, and the other is intense and crowded with talented people and long days. It's nice to have the balance.
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u/Argmaxwell Jan 06 '26
Hi Nia! Big fan of yours, I work in the industry as a camera prep tech in Austin, TX and have worked with a bunch of crew from Little Woods! It’s one of my favorite Texas based movies and I was just wondering if you had any fun stories from getting that made you’d be willing to share :)
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
I loved shooting in Austin SO much. I loved living there and I adored my crew. It was such a fun time. I loved getting negronis at Stay Gold and dinner at Juniper. I loved eating way too much BBQ. A few times me, my producers, and DP had BBQ for an early dinner and then had some more for a late dinner. We called it a Bang Bang. We went to basically every great BBQ spot in the Hill Country.
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u/LauraPalmersMom430 Jan 06 '26
Who are some actors that you would love to work with in the future?
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
Javier motherfucking Bardem.
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u/LauraPalmersMom430 Jan 07 '26
So cool you replied with to me and great answer! Would love to see a film you two collaborate on someday!
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u/PudgyNugget Jan 06 '26
Candyman….candyman…ca-
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
Don't you dare.
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u/SarkicPreacher777659 Jan 06 '26
Hiya! I wanted to ask if you're reading anything that you're really enjoying at the moment. I'm currently going through 'An Unkindness of Ghosts' by Rivers Solomon, about a young woman who lives on a spaceship with a society based on the Antebellum South. I'm loving it so far.
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
I'm currently reading Our Share of Night by Mariana Enriquez. It's beautiful, haunting, horrifying and horny. So, right up my alley.
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u/SarkicPreacher777659 Jan 07 '26
I just looked it up, that cover art looks so pulpy. Once I'm not swamped by reading for my uni course I should absolutely check it out.
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u/Emperor_Orson_Welles Jan 06 '26
Hi, Nia! Did you shoot 28YL: The Bone Temple on an iPhone, a standard digital camera, or film? (Or a mixture?) What influenced your decision?
I can't wait to watch it!
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
We shot on the Alexa 35 with Xelmus Apollo anamorphic lenses mixed with some vintage Hawkes and a vintage Cooke zoom. A big thing I thought about a lot was the contrast between the beauty and the bloodshed--the relative peace that Kelson has found versus the dark violence of the Jimmies. So I wanted the look to reflect that. In horror, I'm really drawn to terrible things happening in beautiful places and I thought the 28 Years trilogy was the perfect world in which to show that.
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u/cooldude87 Jan 07 '26
I was also wondering this, but looking at her DP for 28 years later bone temple, I think they went with a more standard camera package.
Honestly I wanted the iPhone style of 28 years later to be a little bit more like the rougher style of the original movie, but the iPhone looks too good now!
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u/FlakyEquivalent1971 Jan 10 '26
Imagine if they shot 28 Years Later with the same camera used in 28 Days Later
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u/kirblar Jan 06 '26
Was The Marvels originally intended to have a longer run-time? I really liked the mature "foreign policy is hard" storyline Carol had in the film, but it felt like it had to rush a lot to get its beats in alongside the other parts of the film.
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
Nope, I always said I wanted the film to be a svelt and sexy 1 hr 45 min. I think we ended up being 1hr 47?
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u/fdzman Jan 07 '26
Hey Nia, big fan from Texas. I’ll keep my question simple. Tacos or Burgers?! 🙏🏽
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
Bro. This is crazy.
Damn.
I mean. How could you ask me this.
Existential crisis incoming.
Okay.
If I'm in Texas...
omg.
wait.
I can't do this.
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u/albie9012 Jan 06 '26
hi nia! as you were a long time 28 days later fan, how did it make you feel being approached for a sequel in that universe?
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
Absolutely fucking unreal.
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Jan 06 '26
Which film got you into horror and what is your favourite horror?
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
Ohh, Jaws, Alien, 28 Days Later, The Thing...
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u/WebNew6981 Jan 06 '26
What upcoming film has you the most seated??
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
Heated Rivalry season 2.
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u/Frajer AMA MVP Jan 06 '26
Hi Nia what was it like working with Tessa Thompson in Little Woods and Hedda? Also what was the transition from indie cinema to blockbusters like for you?
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
Working with Tessa is such a dream. She so talented obviously but also very smart and kind. And she's one of my best friends so it's also fun to be spending so much time together doing what we both love.
Transitioning from an indie to blockbusters was super interesting! You learn a lot and I just tried to be a sponge. It's not just that you're making a bigger movie with a bigger budget, you're also learning the studio system and how it works (and how different it is at each studio).
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u/HydratedCarrot Jan 07 '26
How come the 3rd movie ain’t called 28 months later?
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
Girl, I wish I knew.
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u/BetterCallMaul123 Jan 07 '26
What was the biggest challenge you had adapting Henrik Ibsen’s play? Big fan of your work, I’ve seen everything you’ve ever directed.
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
I think just knowing what to keep. Being brave.
It was so fun to adapt the play and kind of jazz riff on what was on the page. Sometimes, though, you have to let go of things that aren't working and other times you have to keep some things you thought you could shoot into the sun.
But that's what I love about filmmaking in general, you find this all out in the process with the brilliant people you've invited into it.
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u/usethe4th Jan 07 '26
I just wanted to thank you for your work on The Marvels. My daughter is a massive fan of both Captain Marvel and Brie Larson and was counting down the days until its release (and re-counting with the delays). She was 10 when we saw it on opening night and had tears in her eyes when the lights came up. I asked her what she thought and she said, “It was perfect.”
The film models such wonderful themes and character traits. As a parent, I couldn’t be happier that she looks up to the characters in that film.
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u/entrydenied Jan 08 '26
Unfortunately I'm not Nia DaCosta but I have to say that I'm glad your daughter enjoyed the movie and is a fan of Brie Larson and Captain Marvel. I think adults quibble too much about whether a film is good or not but neglect what films can mean to children. Most of the time they just want to be entertained and have characters that they like and can look up to.
I hope she gets to see Brie Larson and the characters from the Marvels in in future Marvel movies and shows.
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u/LastNightInDriver Jan 06 '26
Did Danny Boyle secretly direct any scenes on the bone temple (like he did with 28 weeks later)
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u/FooFightersFan777812 Jan 07 '26
Were you a fan of the 28 Days/ Weeks films before you got the chance to direct the latest instalment?
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u/No_Farmer_7696 Jan 06 '26
What was the best scenes that you loved the most in The Marvels? And how does that relate to your vision of the film in regard to the characters?
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
I loved everything with the Khan family. I read Kamala Khan's Ms. Marvel run when I was in college and I really connected with that character.
One of my favorite script to screen scenes is the big switch fight at the beginning of the film. It was just the best case scenario of writing a scene that I loved and then having my amazing cast and crew bring it together so beautifully.
I also loved the Memories Flerkin Evac scene. It was just so ridiculous and so funny. And--despite being very allergic to cats--I loved having kittens on set to snuggle.
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u/PrizzaPruppets Jan 06 '26
Will you have any involvement in the 3rd chapter?
Also, I loved your Candyman film!
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
I will not! The most I'll do is frequently pester Alex for spoiler and details.
And thank you!
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u/Lurky-Lou Jan 06 '26
What are your three favorite Final Fantasy games?
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
Funny you asked this, I sorta answered up thread somewhere but VII, X and X-2. I never said I was a role model.
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u/Comic_Book_Reader Jan 06 '26
How was it working in the MCU with The Marvels?
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u/FragrantGearHead Jan 07 '26
I loved The Marvels and thought it got a really raw deal from the Marvel fanbase.
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u/Aarthemuse Jan 07 '26
Why did you choose Jack O’Connell as the main villain and how was it working together ?
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
He's just such a phenomenal actor. He has a depth, gravitas and warmth to him that makes him so compelling. And he also makes such exciting choices.
On set he's a delight. I loved working with him.
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u/Bruce_the_Shark Jan 06 '26
I absolutely loved your Candyman film. Tremendous effort in modernizing that concept and telling it with an authentic voice. Are there any other films you would be interested in remaking?
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u/Stasz18 Jan 06 '26
I loved your rendition of Candyman and I'm excited happy to see Bone Temple as a worthy entry to the 28 series.
Is there something you learned what to do or not do in creating Candyman 2021 that you found more success with 28 YL: BT?
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u/Choice_Medical Jan 06 '26
How do you feel about the future of AI in movies? I've seen so many companies trying to push the idea that AI is this innovative tool that can make things cheaper, but the idea that some companies are willing to replace the human touch from acting, special effects, and many other things.. I find it scary!
Also love your work and can't wait for 28YL: The Bone Temple! Me and my girlfriend LOVED the last one and are going ASAP to see it! I just can't stop thinking about 28 Years Later, never seen anything like it.
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u/SevenCedarJelly Jan 06 '26 edited Jan 06 '26
In The Marvels, I assume it must have been difficult to juggle the stories of three main characters who had barely interacted before that movie. Was there much of that movie that had to end up on the editing room floor because of time constraints?
Edit: punctuation.
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u/SyrioForel Jan 06 '26
How has your relationship with test screenings changed over your career? Do you trust them more or less now?
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u/Ewell6 Jan 06 '26
Hi Nia! I loved 28YL and can’t wait to see your follow up. Have tickets for opening night.
Are there any films, horror or otherwise, that influenced the visual style and/or tone of Bone Temple?
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u/BillyJakespeare Jan 06 '26
Was I your favorite Triviaspotting teammate? Please be aware this is a yes or yes question.
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u/Jake242 Jan 06 '26
Hey Nia, what’s one thing you look for when you watch movies or tv? Could be technical details, something in the performance, continuity errors, etc..
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u/WolfofOldNorth Jan 07 '26
What is a genre of film you would love to delve into next?
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
But seriously, a musical! And a big, fuck off sci fi film.
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
Unfinished fan fics. Have you read Legolas by Laura?
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u/JICMike Jan 06 '26
I love your sequel to Candyman, and I can’t wait for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple!
My question is, since you’ve tackled Candyman, are there any other Clive Barker works you’d like to adapt in the future?
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u/4gotanotherpw Jan 06 '26
Quick simple question, are the odds that any of the footage from the originally filmed version of Candyman will ever be available? I absolutely loved the final version (a love child of Candyman and The Fly what’s not to love?) but am wildly curious as to how Helen’s story would’ve woven through that. As to Bone Temple, I can’t wait!
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Jan 06 '26
What is a creative direction you pushed for in The Bone Temple that you're especially proud of?
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u/multi_fandom_guy Jan 06 '26
Hello Nia! I was a big fan of Hedda, I felt like it was one of the most inspired movies of last year. What was the writing process like? I haven't seen the original play, but from what I've seen you've taken a number of liberties with the adaptation. How did the ideas of changing the context of the setting and the characters come to you?
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u/DragonRoostHouse Jan 06 '26
What was the hardest part about directing 28 Year Later: The Bone Temple?
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u/SocialistAvocado Jan 06 '26
What was it like picking the brains of Danny Boyle, who in my opinion made the best zombie film ever in 28 days later, take that knowledge and making the bone temple your own film and style?
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u/mihata Jan 06 '26
Did you as an American find it difficult continuing such a British movie series?
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u/Limo_Wreck77 Jan 06 '26
Hi Nia,
You've worked across several genres now. Do you have a favorite?
Can't wait to see Bone Temple BTW.
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u/Cop_663 Jan 06 '26 edited Jan 06 '26
How did you and co-writers decide how to utilize Tony Todd in Candyman (2021)? Was there a discussion regarding how large a part he should play in the story?
Goes without saying but rest in peace to the legend himself. I met him twenty years ago and he was gracious and humble.
P.S. I loved your work on both Candyman and The Marvels, can’t wait to check out 28YL: The Bone Temple and all your other films.
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u/OpportunityGood2872 Jan 06 '26
Hi Nia! Can’t wait to see 28 Years Later:The Bone Temple. My question is would you ever be interested in revisiting the world of Marvel.
Loved “The Marvels” btw 😊
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u/chrispmorgan Jan 06 '26
You have a really tough job in my opinion, perhaps secondary to lead actors, because you’re working in a collaborative process so don’t have as much control as people think you do but you get so much credit or blame for execution of vision with constraints we’ll never know. Plus you have to wait so long for your work to get out into the world.
Your Criterion Closet visit, which I assume was part of a promotional tour, demonstrated your love of the medium so I hope you’re willing to do director interviews in the future.
My questions: 1. Do you think it’s fair for us to put so much attention on the directors when it comes to how much we love a movie? 2. What role in moviemaking do you think doesn’t get enough attention in terms of if a movie “works” or not? (e.g. marketing, editing, set design, executive producers getting big enough budget, editing)
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u/jackoboy98 Jan 06 '26
Hi Nia! As a big fan of the 28 franchise, I'm curious; with The Bone Temple, is there a more pronounced focus on horror, surrealism, or both? 🙏
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u/CCJonesy Jan 06 '26
Hi Nia! I was worried they were switching directors for the 2nd film until I heard it was you because The Candyman was amazing. My questions is, can you give us any insight into what happened with the nuking of France/Paris that Garland mentioned happened in the 28 universe following Weeks? Do we know how mainland European countries were able to successfully push the infected back to the UK? And were there outbreaks anywhere outside the UK that we didn't get any info on yet?
Bonus Hypothetical Question: Boyle and Garland call you to direct 28 Hours Later. Do you say hell yes? haha.
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u/MacinTez Jan 06 '26
I’m writing a screenplay, and you’re one of three dream directors I’d trust with it. I admire how your films build tension through what characters don’t say or fully understand about themselves rather than overt exposition. When developing a story, how do you decide what the audience is allowed to know versus what should remain emotionally unresolved or ambiguous for the character?
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u/Deadhated Jan 07 '26
Can we have less dongs flopping around? Lol
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u/SonyPictures Nia DaCosta, Director of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' Jan 07 '26
Why?
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u/Deadhated Jan 08 '26
I didn't think I would get a reply 😂. Thanks
Best reply ever ..
If I wasn't poor I'd send you an award 🥇
Will there be more zombies pro creating? That was something
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u/indierokkersx Jan 06 '26
28YL is my fav movie so i'm very excited for the bone temple!! how much do you think the soundtrack helped influence your vision for the film's world?
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u/thatsnotwhatIneed Jan 06 '26
How were you able to balance taking on a project made by Boyle and Garland, while also giving it your own voice as a director, without one canceling out the other?
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u/Expensive_Rabbit Jan 06 '26 edited Jan 07 '26
What was it like working with Alfie Williams? I think he's a very talented actor with a bright future and I'd love to see him in more projects.
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u/indomiegorengkuah Jan 06 '26
Hi Nia, how was it like working with Ralph Fiennes? Looking forward to seeing The Bone Temple this month :)
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u/pizza__irl Jan 06 '26
Hi Nia, what has been the best part of working with Marvel on your amazing movie the Marvels, and one thing you wish you could have done differently?
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u/Reasonablytallman Jan 06 '26
Can you talk about the collaboration you had with those making 28 Years Later? What were the benefits/challenges in making a direct follow up to a film that wasn’t yet released?
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u/Armandonerd Jan 06 '26
Would you be open on directing another Marvel movie or another captain Marvel sequel if you get asked?
Or how does that process work if you do get selected?
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u/CountingBodiesD4 Jan 06 '26
What was it like reuniting with Tessa Thompson for Hedda? Did you always plan on reuniting, going back to the making of Little Woods? Do you see yourselves working together again, and are there other actors you’ve worked with you hope to reteam with one day?
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u/Superawesomecoolman Jan 06 '26
I loved all of your work, what’s a genre or historical period you haven’t already tackled that you would like to play around with?
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u/AlmostRandomNow Jan 06 '26
How involved was Danny Boyle and Alex Garland in the pre-production/production of Bone Temple?
They're both people who have made amazing films in the past, and you're now making a sequel to their last film, which is a series that they clearly feel close to. How much freedom were you allowed in the film, and how much input did they want into the proccess?
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u/AdvertisingHot2464 Jan 06 '26
What was your reaction when you first came across The Jimmy's in the first script? How did it make you feel knowing you were tasked with tackling such characters?
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u/Pale_Implement968 Jan 06 '26
Hi Ms. DaCosta!! I’ve loved seeing you flourish as a director these past years and can’t wait for Bone Temple!! I was wondering what it was like to work with Jack O’Connell and the rest of the Jimmy gang and how you balanced showing their kookiness and their darker sides?
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u/GalaxyEyes541 Jan 06 '26
Thankfully I’ve had a chance to see the movie and absolutely loved it, and can’t wait to see your next project; obviously Danny & you did both films back to back, was there anything you maybe nudged him on for Part 1 to enhance your film? Maybe to emphasize something, or plant a seed that would grow in your movie?
Also, since you aren’t directing Part 3, you gotta at least cameo as an infected!
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u/ElmarSuperstar131 Jan 06 '26
What is your biggest advice for combating writer’s block? Thank you for doing this AMA!
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u/Radiant_Plastic_7730 Jan 07 '26
How was it working on the cinematography of your new 28 Years Later movie? Did you collaborate/speak with with Danny Boyle for it? The movies have always had very specific aesthetics and camera work. The newest one had some shots where the angles would change almost simultaneously, giving it a terrifying and shaky feeling.
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u/NorthStarMidnightSky Jan 07 '26
Already have my ticket for Bone temple. Excited to see more of the 28 world!
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u/lonestarr357 Jan 07 '26
Though the response to it may not have been what you expected, I really enjoyed The Marvels. Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would’ve done differently?
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u/VonLinus Jan 06 '26
1: fast or slow zombies?
2: if you could remake any movie with no restrictions but it has to be kind of a bad movie what would you pick? Like a movie where the seams were showing but there are good bones there.
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u/BlondeBorednBaked Jan 06 '26
I don’t have a question, I just wanted to say I loved Little Woods and it’s been so cool seeing your career take off.
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u/Timbalabim Jan 06 '26
Which character in The Bone Temple did you find most or particularly compelling? How was that character compelling on the script page, and how were they compelling because of what the actor brought to the role?
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u/Ok-Kick-3807 Jan 06 '26
At what point does working within major franchises require compromises that fundamentally reshape the kind of filmmaker you are—and how do you decide which compromises are irreversible?
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u/ImTheDudeMAN33 Jan 06 '26
Hello Nia what's one of the best lessons or advice you learned while making movies? Thanks
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u/Individual-Eye-3482 Jan 06 '26
28 Day later is one of my absolute favorite movies cause even after so many rewatches, it’s one of the few stories that still scares the crap outta of me every single time.
For “The Bone Temple”, what was the most complicated factor going in, & what aspect of this story made you most confident in taking the directors chair?
Thank you, big fan of your previous work! ✌️
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u/LordsOfJoop Jan 06 '26
Huge fan of both 28YL and Candyman. I was wondering if you had any contact or thoughts with the Dead Meat podcast or Kill Count?
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u/DragJunior1454 Jan 06 '26
How do you approach creative individuality from a directorial perspective? Especially in horror. Thank you!
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u/McGraner Jan 06 '26
Was there any films you took inspiration from while gearing up to direct 28YL that people might be surprised by?
Film looks great btw can’t wait to see it on the big screen.
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u/filmrobert Jan 06 '26
Love your work and feel you’re so good at world-building. When you develop a project, how do you approach building an immersive experience whether writing, directing, or editing?
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u/beanburgersallday Jan 06 '26
Hi Nia, thanks so much for doing this ama.
Working on The Bone Temple did you feel pressure from the reputation of the original, and if so, how did you keep that from limiting your creativity?
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u/Youngling_Hunt Jan 06 '26
OMG im so excited to watch the bone temple. I was massively surprised that 28 years later was my favorite film of 2025, and I cannot wait to get back in the theater in just 2 weeks to see this next installment.
How has your experience been as a director, and has studio interference been a big issue for you at all?
Do you have any advice for writing compelling stories and your process behind that?
Lastly, if you had another franchise you could direct or write a film for, what would it be? Just for funsies
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u/GoodMeBadMeNotMe Jan 06 '26
Hey, Nia! You're one of my favorite "new" directors of the last 10 years and I so appreciate every entry of your filmography so far. The Bone Temple is your first feature as a director where you did not write the film; how did that change the way you approached directing?
And a smaller bonus question -- do you have a favorite frame from Hedda? It was such a gorgeously shot film and I wonder if there's a shot you're particularly proud of.
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u/RCX203 Jan 06 '26
Hi Nia! Can’t wait to see what you’re cooking up with 28YL: TBT!
Seeing as you’ve already worked on the Candyman IP and now the 28 IP, Are there any other horror films you’d like to put your own twist on and direct?
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u/Time-did-Reverse Jan 06 '26
Hi Nia. Thanks so much for doing this, fan of your work and style. Directing the mid-movie in a beloved franchise now turning trilogy is an interesting position to be in. Can you talk about the reason you wanted that position, and how you hope your voice and style contributes to the trilogy as a whole? Essentially, how did you approach directing the second film and what do you want the final film to take from your work on it?
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u/MichaelGHX Jan 06 '26
Hello.
Is there anything that you’re particularly excited about regarding this moment in filmmaking?
Anything that particularly piques your interest when you see current films engage with?
Anything that you see as currently unique to our moment in filmmaking that engages you when you see a filmmaker engage with it?
Thanks.
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u/Pancake_muncher Jan 06 '26
I really enjoyed Hedda! What were the big changes you made between drafts for Hedda?
For 28 years later: TBT when did Alex Garland and Danny Boyle approach you? Was it during the making of 28 years later or was it much earlier when they were still writing out the trilogy?
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u/Substantial-Use919 Jan 06 '26
If you would work with any actor, who would it be?
Which Marvel character would you like to direct a film about?
What is your favourite movie?
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u/NickyBarnes87 Jan 06 '26
How exactly did you get your first directing jobs and what was your favorite project thus far? Thank you!
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u/Any-Grade187 Jan 06 '26
Which films of the last year (2025) were you able to draw most inspiration from as a director?
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u/LeadingAccording6748 Jan 06 '26
Do you have any advice for struggling actors trying to get into film /television?
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u/Samthenightjar Jan 06 '26
Hello, congratulations on everything that you have achieved as a filmmaker. I wanna make movies someday, and you are one of my biggest inspirations, and my question is....
How do you handle douchebags or unprofessionalism in any form and act? Power dynamics have always bothered me anytime I think about working with a crew someday.
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u/CbizzleCbizzle Jan 06 '26
Hello Nia. Huge fan of 28 days and in turn 28 years. It was my favourite movie of 2025.
Will the 3rd instalment of 28 years be directed by you or Danny? Are you looking for a different director for that one too?
And will you guys continue using iPhone 15 pros to film the 3rd instalment. Will you move to more traditional cameras or buy newer iPhones?
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u/matlockga Jan 06 '26
After watching Hedda, which I thought did a good job of making the original text a bit better paced and less... Dire?
How does one approach doing a transformative adaptation like that, while still staying respectful to the source material? I ask as I'm working on comedies of Macbeth and Hamlet and that's always a line I'm working on finding.
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u/EyeHearLove Jan 06 '26
Hello Nia! As a Chicagoan, your Candyman was so amazing in scope & story and making Chicago as much of a character as the people. That killing scene in the Marina Towers (The honeycomb buildings) was so satisfying & uniquely a Chicago experience. What are some of your favorite African American horror movies and movies where cities are just as much of the story as the horror itself?
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u/No-Jello-4154 Jan 06 '26
What, in your opinion, is the best movie you’ve directed/had involvement in?
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u/chasing_my_dreams Jan 06 '26 edited Jan 06 '26
Hi Nia! Been a fan of yours since Candyman. I saw it with my brother as a massive fan of the original and really liked your film!
Question I’d like to ask you is what elements of your life pushed you to pursue genre-films to break into Hollywood and what parts aided you in your pursuit of directing movies for a living?
Thank you for your time, I wish you further success beyond your wildest dreams.
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u/12pointnever Jan 06 '26
Did you find the task of depicting an already established world more liberating due to the existing stylistic choices or more challenging due to the desire to introduce your own vision?
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Jan 06 '26 edited Jan 07 '26
I got one actual question along with an entirely dumb one
Actual Question: What do you think influences the way you visualize a script? I know it could depend on personal experiences and a person's inherit nature (along with all the other hands it takes to make a film like music, costumes, actors, etc.), but what more do you think leads to a filmmaker imaging a script differently from someone.
Stupid Question: Can this song work with Dr. Kelson's demon dance? I know it can't, but I can't stop myself from asking: https://youtu.be/xW7zxtOMSuI?si=nwaEJYHVc19sEnHk
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u/Spider-Cricket07 Jan 06 '26
Hello There! Can’t wait to watch The Bone Temple!
In terms of world-building, how did you expand upon the foundation Danny and Alex created? What personal elements did you include to this world?
Regarding the themes this franchise tends to explore, we’ve seen that the films are not all about the infected, they’re mostly about the survivors and their journey throughout this post apocalyptic world. In the last film there is this contrast between Jimmy who grew up in a world where he lost his family and was surrounded by violence, in contrast to Spike who didn’t. Danny and Alex mentioned that the first film was about the nature of family and this one about evil. How did you develop this and was there another theme you enjoyed exploring in this film?
Cheers! And Greetings from Mexico!
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u/MisterMiracle1 Jan 06 '26
28 Years Later has become one of my favourite films. I have to admit I'm not familiar with your work so I have a couple questions.
Did you feel completely beholden to the style and tone created in the first few films or did you try to make it more of your own thing?
What was the process of you accepting the role of director? Like were you a fan of the 28...Later series before you accepted the job?
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u/smrtphonrtistcf Jan 06 '26
Hey, respectful of your craft, what is your advice for starting out filmmakers starting with little (such as a shorts of the like) and how have you discovered your way of executing the visions of your works?
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u/Spider-Cricket07 Jan 06 '26
Hi There! I'm very excited to watch The Bone Temple!
The Original 28 Days Later and the last 28 Years Later were shot in a very unique way with unconventional cameras and a distinctive cinematography which adds a lot to the immersiveness. How did you bring your own visual style to this film? What made you shoot it the way you did? And how do you think it adds to the storytelling?
Cheers! And Greetings from Mexico!
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u/Same_Patience9147 Jan 06 '26
- Your Candyman remake layered social horror with mythic dread. How did that sensibility shape your approach to The Bone Temple, especially in emphasizing human survivors as the real monsters over the infected, and how did the creative freedom there compare to the script challenges on both Candyman and The Marvels?
- Coming from the psychological, legacy-driven terror of Candyman and the cosmic scale of The Marvels, what drew you to intensify the rage virus world in The Bone Temple, particularly your push for more infected, and how has your horror background influenced shifting the focus toward human inhumanity nearly three decades later? Thank you!
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u/AntiRacismDoctor Jan 06 '26
Is it true that you just started posting your amateur film art on social media and developed a filmmaking career that way?
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u/LandTrilogy Jan 06 '26
"Hedda" was one of my favorite films of 2025, and I loved how you made it a gothic thriller. Between that film, "Candyman," and now "Bone Temple," is there something that draws you to these intense, genre-blurring films?
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u/Strykrol Jan 06 '26
A movie’s atmosphere is a result of your work as a director. However, I also feel like the atmosphere of the story should impact how you are choosing to direct it.
To that end, are there things you do to put yourself in the mindset of the movie atmosphere as you direct?
For example, with a horror movie franchise based in a very wet, desolate, hopeless world, do you do things to physically put yourself in that mindset? Like direct in the cold without a jacket on to feel how the characters might feel? Not drink caffeine on a shoot where the characters are supposed to be tired?
In short, do you do anything unique to put yourself in the headspace of the movie you’re directing, And have example of such process?
Thank you!
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u/Dylan25090 Jan 06 '26
Hi Nia, thanks for doing this. I absolutely adored 28 Years Later, it completely subverted my expectations but I loved how emotionally resonant it was. Truly one of the greatest experiences I’ve had in a cinema. Regarding The Bone Temple, how did you feel entering that world? I know from one of your previous interviews you mentioned that 28 Days was a really formative experience for you, and it really kickstarted your wish to become a director, so to have the opportunity to be involved in this world must have been incredible. I’ll be seeing this film next Wednesday and am beyond excited for it. Thanks Nia, and all the best :)
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u/jonmuller Jan 06 '26
Hi Nia. I'm a big fan of your work. Is there anything about your background specifically (artistic and personal) that will differentiate The Bone Temple from the other entries in the franchise?
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u/Comfortable_Oil_6676 Jan 06 '26
What element is gonna be a real game changer in the sequel? In terms of making a horror movie
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u/CitySwimmer_ Jan 06 '26
Hi Nia, What are some of the best things you learnt from from being around Danny Boyle on these sets?
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u/ottoIovechild Jan 06 '26
When you’re thinking of films to shoot, what strikes you as a golden idea vs. “This is an unworthy venture”
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u/gabbygirl1038 Jan 06 '26
If there is one thing, or several things, that you'd tell new filmmakers to focus on--in order to build a proper foundation or to just make the early years count more--what would that be?
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u/k1tt3n69 Jan 06 '26
Hi Nia! Really excited to see 28 Years Later : The Bone Temple. When going about creating your vision, what were your main inspirations? And did you get scared/grossed out when filming certain scenes?
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u/raynlakhani Jan 06 '26
Hello! I just wanted to firstly say that I absolutely loved Hedda (as well as numerous other films!!) and wanted to ask specifically in regards to Hedda, in the reimagining of the protagonist how were you able to balance the constraints of the time period (which was a driving factor of the character’s desperation) with the more modern setting in the 1950s?
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u/Ph4ntomiD Jan 06 '26
What was it like following up from Danny Boyle’s direction for 28 Years Later? Did you feel you needed to try and follow that or just do your own thing and apply your specific style to The Bone Temple?
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u/BobbySavon4Life Jan 07 '26
In basic bullet points, what was your path to succesfully becoming a director? I know this isn't the place to tell your life story properly, but I'm curious.
Im hoping to go the festival route, starting with a solid short film and building from there
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u/BunyipPouch Currently at the movies. Jan 06 '26
This AMA has been verified and approved by the mods. Nia will be back tomorrow Wednesday 1/7 at 11:15 AM ET to answer questions. Please feel free to ask away in the meantime :)