In the recent premiere of 28 Years Later: The Temple of Bones, Ralph Fiennes has left an indelible mark with his performance in a concert scene where he choreographs to the rhythm of “666, the number of the beast” by Iron Maiden. Although the film did not achieve the expected success at the box office, this sequence has become one of the most iconic moments of the year, generating curiosity about the impressive choreography presented.
Two nights of pure terror
Director Nia DaCosta emphasized that her intention was to create an experience that was scary, epic, and fun at the same time. To achieve this, she worked alongside production designers from theater and fashion, who brought their experience in live events to build an authentic atmosphere. DaCosta noted that she wanted the characters, mostly young, to experience loud music for the first time, which adds a significant emotional dimension to the scene.
The filming of the sequence took place over just two nights, using a real fire ring and an innovative three-camera setup to capture every nuance of Fiennes’ performance. The scene was complex to shoot, considering the risks involved, including dangerous elements like flammable skulls. Fiennes, despite the cold and physical demands, showed admirable energy during the recordings, performing multiple takes with passion and dedication.
Iron Maiden, generally selective with the use of their music, allowed their song to be featured in the film, which was a calculated risk given the prestige of the filmmakers involved. Fiennes also clarified that his character was not a reference to Voldemort, but a manifestation of parts of himself that are rarely shown, making this performance something truly special and distinct.