“We’re very selective about who can use our music, but this felt like a calculated risk,” Iron Maiden said in response to the jaw-dropping scene in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which could already be 2026’s standout needle drop.
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“If you’ve watched the movie, you’ll know it features one of the most shocking and wild heavy metal song placements ever.”
Iron Maiden Respond to Stunning Needle Drop in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
Heavy metal legends Iron Maiden have commented on the jaw-dropping use of one of their biggest hits in the critically acclaimed horror sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.
Mild spoilers ahead for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
In the film’s climactic moment, Dr. Kelson—portrayed by Ralph Fiennes—breaks into a dance to Maiden’s iconic track The Number of the Beast, delivering one of the most unexpected heavy metal placements in recent memory.
This is a rare instance of an Iron Maiden song being featured in a film, following only weeks after another classic, The Trooper, appeared in the finale of Netflix’s smash hit Stranger Things.
Iron Maiden admit they are usually cautious about licensing their music, but this project was too irresistible to pass up, given its place in one of British cinema’s most enduring franchises.
“We were thrilled to be approached about this placement before filming on the last two 28 Years Later movies,” the band told Planet Rock. “While we knew the scene would be important, we had no idea just how amazing it would turn out.”
They continued, “We don’t often allow our music to be used, but the British feel of this series, combined with the involvement of Danny Boyle, Alex Garland, and director Nia DaCosta, made it a calculated risk worth taking.”
Maiden also teased more musical surprises in the near future.
“We’re over the moon with how it all came together,” they said. “And like buses, they come in threes—we’ve also got another track featured in Corin Hardy’s upcoming horror film Whistle, set to release on Valentine’s Day. 2026 is shaping up to be the year of Maiden on the big screen!”
Released earlier this month, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple has received widespread praise for its bold direction, shocking twists, and strong performances from Fiennes and Jack O’Connell, who plays the unhinged gang leader Jimmy Crystal.
The film is the fourth installment in the 28 Days Later series, following Danny Boyle’s 2002 original and Juan Carlos Fresnadillo’s 2007 sequel, 28 Weeks Later.
Maiden’s string of surprise needle drops marks the start of a busy year for the band, who are continuing their 50th anniversary celebrations alongside the Run For Your Lives world tour. The tour will hit Europe, North and South America, and will include a historic performance at Knebworth Park in July, with support from The Darkness, Airbourne, and The Hu.