The actors of “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” experienced a chilling realization on set – their costumes subtly echoed the image of disgraced television personality Jimmy Savile. What began as a standard costume fitting quickly morphed into a disconcerting discovery for the cast, who were unknowingly embodying a figure later revealed to be a sinister inspiration for the film’s antagonists.
The new installment, picking up immediately after the events of “28 Years Later,” introduces Sir Jimmy Crystal, played by Jack O’Connell, and his unsettling gang. The film’s aesthetic, particularly the appearance of Crystal’s followers – dubbed “the Jimmies” – deliberately mirrors Savile’s infamous style, a choice confirmed by executive producer Danny Boyle. This wasn’t merely about fashion; it was a deliberate commentary on a corrupted cultural icon.
Robert Rhodes, who portrays a character also known as Jimmy, recounted his surprise during his costume fitting. “I had an inkling, I kind of left it going, ‘Um, am I dressed as Jimmy Savile?’,” he admitted. The realization sparked a deeper reflection on a world where Savile’s crimes remained hidden, adding a disturbing layer to the film’s already unsettling atmosphere.
Connor Newall, playing Jimmy Shite, learned of the connection through a phone call with his mother. “I was in the make-up trailer, I got the wig on, and she said, ‘You look like Jimmy Savile!’” he shared. He emphasized the brilliance of director Alex Garland, whose vision allowed for a uniquely disturbing interpretation of the character.
For Maura Bird, who plays Jimmy Jones, the connection was less personal. Growing up in Ireland, she hadn’t been deeply familiar with Savile’s public persona before the revelations of his crimes. She described him as a “creepy guy,” making the role feel less like a direct portrayal and more like embodying a chilling archetype.
Sam Locke, portraying Jimmy Fox, expressed hope that none of the actors had to draw upon personal experiences to inhabit their roles. However, he noted the surprising ease with which the group developed a strong on-set camaraderie, a “synergy” that contributed to the unsettling dynamic of the Jimmies.
Despite its terrifying premise and “extremely violent and gory” scenes, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” also possesses a surprising vein of dark humor. Locke revealed that the cast often found themselves breaking character with laughter, a testament to Garland’s writing and their collective comedic timing.
Jack O’Connell, in particular, kept the mood light with unexpected bursts of song, even during the film’s most gruesome moments. Bird recalled O’Connell belting out Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” while covered in fake blood, a moment of levity that helped the cast navigate the heavy material.
The film’s unsettling imagery and darkly comedic tone have resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning it a reputation as an “unpredictable, blood-drenched sequel.” “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is now playing in cinemas, offering a terrifying and thought-provoking continuation of the beloved franchise.
