28 Years Later has always ranked among my most anticipated films of the year, but I have grown even more excited about its release after watching Sinners. Four months in, and 2025 is already proving to be a great year for horror lovers. Highly acclaimed movies like Nosferatu, The Monkey, and Presence have already started the year on a high note. Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, which is partly a vampire horror flick, has further maintained 2025’s momentum of delivering genre-bending original horror movies that are both creative and compelling.
In the months ahead, things are about to get even more exciting with movies like 28 Years Later, Frankenstein, Megan 2.0, and HIM hitting the theaters. 28 Years Later, in particular, is a highly anticipated film because, over two decades after 28 Days Later‘s release, Danny Boyle and Alex Garland have joined forces again to expand their brilliant zombie flick’s lore. What makes 28 Years Later even more hype-worthy is its subtle connection with Sinners.
Jack O’Connell May Be Playing A Villain In 28 Years Later
The Actor Has Hinted His Role Is Antagonistic
28 Years Later‘s trailers and promotional material have primarily focused on Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s character. While at it, they have also given a glimpse of who Edvin Ryding, Ralph Fiennes, and Jodie Comer will play in the post-apocalyptic film. However, when it comes to Jack O’Connell’s character in the sequel, most details remain unknown. What is known is that O’Connell will portray a character named Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal, who is a cult leader with a dark history.
In an interview (via GQ), Jack O’Connell revealed that his character was “a gas c**t.” Although the actor could not find the right words to define his 28 Years Later character’s complex role, he said he was “thrilling to portray.” Hinting at how Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal might be one of the villains in the horror movie, O’Connell added that “he definitely exists in the darker pocket“ and contrasts almost everything he has played as an actor so far. Going by what O’Connell has revealed, it would be fair to ᴀssume that his 28 Years Later character will not be among the morally righteous ones.
Sinners Just Proved How Great A Jack O’Connell Villain Can Be
O’Connell Delivers A Brilliant Performance In Sinners
Many things work in Sinners‘ favor. Everything from Ryan Coogler’s brilliant direction to the film’s ingenious use of music allows it to establish itself as one of the most inventive and immersive vampire horror flicks of modern times. Even the performances of almost all cast members are memorable. However, Sinners would likely not have been half as commercially and critically successful if it weren’t for its villain casting choice. Despite not appearing almost halfway through the film, Jack O’Connell does an incredible job of making his character’s menacing presence known.
By proving his ability to capture the depth of his villainous character in Sinners, Jack O’Connell has ᴀssured audiences that his performance in 28 Years Later will not disappoint.
Every time he is on-screen, he carries himself with immense intensity and a quiet but fiery rage that reflects all the atrocities his character has experienced. O’Connell’s performance ensures that even though his vampire character, Remmick, seems evil, it is hard not to empathize with him. Remmick’s backstory in Sinners remains shrouded. However, O’Connell’s performance allows one to fill in the blanks and ᴀssume that before becoming an invader, he, too, was a victim.
By proving his ability to capture the depth of his villainous character in Sinners, Jack O’Connell has ᴀssured audiences that his performance in 28 Years Later will not disappoint. 28 Years Later‘s roster is already jam-packed with many talented stars. O’Connell’s involvement in the upcoming movie only further cements its potential to recreate 28 Days Later’s success and become one of the most influential modern horror flicks.
28 Years Later Can Continue Jack O’Connell’s Strong Horror Villain Run Now
Jack O’Connell Is No Stranger To Villainous Roles
Long before Sinners, Jack O’Connell played morally complex characters in movies and shows like Starred Up and Skins. From the looks of it, he will continue this trend of playing multi-layered antagonistic figures with his role in 28 Years Later. Despite being a talented actor, O’Connell has remained relatively obscure and underrated. However, with compelling villain roles in movies like Sinners and 28 Years Later, it looks like he is finally getting the attention he deserves, which will be crucial in paving the way for him to land more mainstream roles in other big-budget movies and TV shows.
