Sony’s zombie thriller 28 Years Later made a strong start with $5.8 million in Thursday previews, outpacing Pixar’s Elio, which took in a modest $3 million. The difference reflects Elio’s family appeal, with audiences less likely to attend midweek showings.

28 Years Later is projected to earn $28–$30 million over the weekend—potentially the strongest opening in the franchise. Elio is also expected to bring in $25–$30 million, though neither film is likely to claim the top box office spot. That honour is expected to go to Universal’s live-action How to Train Your Dragon, which opened with $84.6 million and should earn another $40–$43 million in its second weekend.

Elio centres on a boy mistaken for Earth’s intergalactic ambassador. Produced for $150 million (excluding marketing), it follows Pixar’s mixed run following the success of Inside Out 2.

Meanwhile, 28 Years Later picks up with survivors of a deadly virus returning to a now-mutated mainland. Starring Jodie Comer and Ralph Fiennes, the film has received critical praise and is intended to launch a new trilogy. Its sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, arrives in 2026, with a third instalment in development, pending box office success.