The Bone Temple – coming to cinemas on January 1, 2026 – was filmed at the former Richard Dunn Sports Centre.
The trailer was released earlier in autumn with snippets showing the Grade II listed building’s starring role in the film.
Snippets from the trailer for The Bone Temple – coming to cinemas on January 1, 2026 – which was filmed at the former Richard Dunn Sports Centre. (Image: Sony Pictures Entertainment)
The derelict leisure centre was turned into a nightmarish post-apocalyptic setting for the 28 Years Later sequel.
Directed by Oscar-winner Danny Boyle, the film stars the likes of Ralph Fiennes, Cillian Murphy, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Joining the star-studded cast are three students from Baildon-based Articulate Agency: Rocco Haynes, 11, Harriet Taylor, 10, and Hayley Walters, 19.
Filming in Bradford for 28 Years Later sequel
In September last year, a letter headed ’28 Years Later Ltd’ was sent to people living on Sunny Bank Road, which is close to the old sports centre.
It outlined the planned filming and soon a number of film crews and trucks arrived.
Snippets from the trailer for The Bone Temple – coming to cinemas on January 1, 2026 – which was filmed at the former Richard Dunn Sports Centre. (Image: Sony Pictures Entertainment)
One of the trucks carried the branding of Movie Makers, a team who have been behind special makeup effects for more than two decades.
The grassy area where the sports centre’s car park appears in the trailer as well as the empty swimming pool and once-loved slides.
It appears special effects or CGI have been used to create a terrifying glimpse of the world in which the Bone Temple is set.
Smoke plumes rise to the sky, abandoned cars lay in wait for the owners return, and burnt-out homes and tower blocks can be seen in the background.
Rocco, who spent two months filming 28 Years Later in Scotland and Northumberland, said: “When I landed the role I couldn’t believe it! Danny (Boyle) was so kind on set, both he and the Director of Photography, Anthony (Dod Mantle) made me feel completely at ease. The cast and crew were amazing to work with.
Snippets from the trailer for The Bone Temple – coming to cinemas on January 1, 2026 – which was filmed at the former Richard Dunn Sports Centre. (Image: Sony Pictures Entertainment)
“Even though it’s a scary film, the set was full of energy and excitement. I had a brilliant stuntman, Julian, who taught me how to do my own stunts safely. I’m so grateful to be part of such an incredible film.”
The Bone Temple marks the fourth instalment of the film series shot back-to-back.
The film series began in 2002 with 28 Days Later, starring Cillian Murphy, which reset the zombie genre for the 21st century. Its huge success led to a sequel, 28 Weeks Later, in 2007.