The box office heats up this weekend with two highly anticipated releases — Sony’s 28 Years Later and Disney-Pixar’s Elio — both making early waves during Thursday night previews. While the undead thriller 28 Years Later surged with a strong $5.8 million opening, Elio, a family-friendly animated space adventure, brought in a more modest $3 million.
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Despite the gap, industry insiders aren’t surprised by the difference. 28 Years Later, a sequel to the cult classic 28 Days Later, caters to a more eager and older late-night moviegoing audience, while Elio targets families who typically wait until the weekend to head to the theaters.
Strong Projections But Not Box Office No. 1
Heading into the weekend, 28 Years Later is expected to rake in $28 million to $30 million — potentially becoming the biggest opening in the franchise’s history. Elio, though slightly behind, is forecast to gross between $25 million and $30 million.
Yet, both films may fall short of claiming the top spot. Universal’s live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon, which soared to an $84.6 million debut last weekend, is projected to retain its No. 1 ranking. Analysts predict it will add another $40 million to $43 million in its second weekend, marking about a 50% drop — a strong showing that could bring its domestic total beyond the $200 million mark.
Inside the Films: Zombies vs. Aliens
28 Years Later brings back director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland, the visionary team behind the original 28 Days Later. This new installment follows a group of survivors quarantined on an island who return to a ravaged mainland — only to face a terrifying new virus mutation. The film stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Alfie Williams, and Ralph Fiennes. Critics have largely praised the film for its gritty realism and psychological depth, applauding its relevance and haunting imagery.
The film is designed as the launchpad for a new trilogy. Its sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, is already in post-production and set to release in 2026. A third film is also on the horizon, but its fate will likely depend on the financial success of the current installment.
Meanwhile, Pixar’s Elio explores lighter, more whimsical territory. The story follows a young boy who accidentally becomes Earth's ambassador to an intergalactic council of eccentric aliens. With a production budget of $150 million — not including a hefty global marketing push — Elio carries high expectations, especially following Pixar’s blockbuster hit Inside Out 2. However, the studio has seen inconsistent results with recent films like Lightyear and Elemental, making Elio a bit of a wild card.
What’s at Stake?
For Sony, 28 Years Later is more than a box office bet — it's a franchise reboot with long-term potential. Strong performance this weekend could ensure the full trilogy is greenlit and secure its place in the modern horror canon.
For Disney and Pixar, Elio represents a test of the brand’s enduring appeal. While its storytelling charm and visual flair are evident, its performance will determine whether Pixar can recover its pre-pandemic box office magic or if it will need to retool future strategies.
The Verdict
With a promising debut, 28 Years Later could breathe new life into the zombie genre and mark a creative resurgence for its filmmakers. Elio, though slower out of the gate, still has the weekend to find its audience. But with How to Train Your Dragon continuing to fly high, both newcomers will have to fight hard to make their mark.
The weekend box office race is officially on — and moviegoers have a thrilling mix of horror, heart, and heroism to choose from.
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