In a year marked by high-stakes performances, Jack O’Connell is solidifying his reputation as Hollywood’s go-to bad guy. The British actor, known for his compelling portrayals of complex characters, is set to captivate audiences once again with his role as Sir Jimmy Crystal in the upcoming film 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which opens in U.K. theaters on January 14, 2024, and in U.S. theaters on January 16, 2024.
O’Connell recently spoke about his experiences and the evolution of his career during an interview at the luxurious 45 Park Lane hotel in London. Despite the dreary weather, he radiated enthusiasm for his latest project and the film industry as a whole. His confidence is buoyed by the success of Sinners, directed by Ryan J. Coogler, which has gained acclaim and grossed an impressive $368 million worldwide, culminating in a Golden Globe win for Best Box Office Achievement.
Reflecting on the challenges faced in the contemporary film landscape, O’Connell noted, “We’re in quite a frightened era… for people to go and watch Sinners, it’s really, really reassuring.” His remarks highlighted a renewed optimism among filmmakers and actors, as audiences return to theaters in search of engaging storytelling.
O’Connell’s roots in the industry trace back to his breakout role as Cook in the acclaimed teen drama Skins, which aired in the 2000s. “It taught us to turn up on time and deliver,” he recalled, emphasizing how formative that experience was for him and his fellow cast members, which included future stars like Kaya Scodelario and Luke Pasqualino.
Since then, O’Connell’s career has spanned a diverse array of roles, from his portrayal of a troubled inmate in Starred Up to the romantic lead in Lady Chatterley’s Lover. However, he believes his latest character, Sir Jimmy Crystal, is perhaps the most outrageous yet. “He is a vehicle through the uttermost darkest, depraved parts of us,” O’Connell explained, addressing the character’s sinister motivations in the post-apocalyptic narrative of 28 Years Later.
The film, directed by Nia DaCosta, takes a deep dive into the psychological implications of a zombie outbreak, positioning O’Connell’s character as a cult leader with a penchant for torture. He described Sir Jimmy as embodying unchecked power, drawing parallels to real-life figures like British media personality Jimmy Savile, who was posthumously accused of horrific crimes. “I think he sort of models himself on the memory of this figure that was always on TV,” O’Connell remarked, hinting at the social commentary embedded in the film’s narrative.
In preparing for this role, O’Connell collaborated closely with DaCosta, who encouraged him to explore the character’s vulnerabilities. “It was very easy to just assume Jimmy’s in command all of the time, but I’m not sure how interesting that would be,” he noted, revealing his dedication to a multi-dimensional portrayal.
Working alongside acclaimed actor Ralph Fiennes has been a highlight of O’Connell’s career. He described the experience as an opportunity for immense learning, emphasizing Fiennes’ relentless pursuit of excellence. “You’re never done learning… there’s an investigation going on,” he said, capturing the essence of working with someone of Fiennes’ caliber.
As O’Connell anticipates the release of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, he remains grounded, reflecting on his unique journey through the film industry. He has already completed filming for Ink, another project directed by Danny Boyle, where he portrays Larry Lamb, an influential figure in British media history.
With his current trajectory and passion for storytelling, O’Connell is excited about the future. He expressed hope for audiences to engage with his latest film, stating, “I really love this film. I’m so proud of what Nia has done… I think people are going to lose their minds over it.”
In a playful moment, when asked who would win in a hypothetical showdown between his characters Remmick from Sinners and Sir Jimmy, O’Connell confidently declared, “One winner. Remmick.” His light-heartedness reflects the joy he finds in his craft, making him a standout talent in today’s cinematic landscape.
