Jack O’Connell has spoken out in defense of the contentious portrayal of Jimmy Savile in the upcoming film “28 Years Later.” The sequel to the iconic horror film introduces a cult whose members are all named Jimmy, serving as a nod to the infamous and disgraced children’s entertainer.
O’Connell, who plays the character Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal, dons a peroxide blond wig and a distinctive shellsuit, prompting a striking resemblance to Savile, who was posthumously accused of systemic sexual abuse. This resemblance has generated a strong reaction from viewers, many of whom found the reference jarring.
Despite the backlash, O’Connell highlighted the importance of his character in the film’s post-apocalyptic narrative. Set against the backdrop of a spreading Rage virus that begins in 2002, the film predates the public uncovering of the allegations against Savile. O’Connell explained that these references are intended to evoke the “zeitgeist” of the era.
“The reality of the viewer and the proposed reality of these characters we’re playing are two very different perspectives,” he expressed in an interview with Empire. He hopes that the portrayal will prompt audiences to reflect on the cultural context of the time when “everything went to hell.”
“28 Years Later” was filmed simultaneously with its sequel, “The Bone Temple,” which is set to be released next year. Director Nia DaCosta has teased that this new installment will delve into even darker themes, though she clarified that there will be no further exploration of Jimmy Savile’s character.
“My movie is quite… weird,” DaCosta shared, hinting at unexpected twists in the storyline. O’Connell echoed her sentiments, calling it the “weird, demented, relative cousin of what we’ve seen before.” He expressed pride in the project, emphasizing its grounding in deep themes and shocking possibilities.
“28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is scheduled to hit UK theaters on January 14, 2026. This film promises to be a thrilling addition to the franchise, sparking conversations about its themes and implications.