Jack O’Connell could be saying farewell to Danny Boyle’s renowned horror franchise with 28 Years Later – The Bone Temple, and he shares his hopes for Cillian Murphy’s future as Jim. The Sinners actor played the antagonist in the second part of the new trilogy in Boyle’s series, embodying the charismatic Satanic cult leader Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal, with Murphy reprising his role from 28 Days Later in the finale of the sequel.
His fierce determination kept him alive and in command of The Fingers for years following the devastation of the British Isles by the Rage virus. Yet, the finale of 28 Years Later – The Bone Temple revealed Alfie Williams’ Spike rising up to betray Sir Jimmy, leaving him for dead.
Spike then continues his quest for discovery with Erin Kellyman’s Kelly. Their travels ultimately converge with Murphy’s Jim, whose tranquil morning of teaching his daughter is suddenly interrupted as he races to help Spike and Kelly escape from a horde of the infected.
In a media interview prior to the movie’s release, Jack O’Connell shared his thoughts on Murphy’s comeback as Jim in 28 Years Later – The Bone Temple.
When questioned about a potential conversation between Jimmy and Jim, the actor jokingly remarked that Murphy’s character is likely “one scalp too many for Sir Jimmy” to incorporate into his cult, although he did express that a film featuring their interaction would be one he would definitely watch.
O’Connell expressed a bit of disappointment about not meeting Murphy during the filming of the 28 Days Later sequel, noting that their schedules “never aligned.” He humorously added, “we were this close to meeting,” and believes they might have shared the same trailer. He can always claim that, in a technical sense, he and Murphy occupied the same space.
Before O’Connell was unveiled as the cult leader in the first film, fans speculated that the Jimmys were actually under the command of Cillian Murphy’s Jim from 28 Years Later. Beyond the common name, the sinister transformation of Murphy’s character during the climax of Boyle’s original movie prompted some to think he could evolve into a cult driven by Satanism.
While the proposed theories may not have materialized, O’Connell’s belief that a narrative centered on Jimmy and Jim would have created a captivating film resonates with fans of the franchise.
Given that Murphy’s character evolved since his last appearance at the conclusion of 28 Days Later, finding the strength to create a family amidst the apocalypse, and O’Connell’s character gravitated towards forming a violent faction, it’s likely that they would have been adversaries in the anticipated 28 Years Later film, engaging in thought-provoking philosophical discussions.
It is important to note that O’Connell is convinced his character has endured beyond 28 Years Later – The Bone Temple, a narrative direction that writer Alex Garland and director Boyle might choose to explore, potentially leading to an epic confrontation between the two characters.
With the recent film concluding as Jimmy faces an imminent attack from the infected, the sequel could depict O’Connell evolving into an Alpha, presenting significant challenges for Murphy’s character.
Nevertheless, the most probable scenario is that the seasoned Sinners actor will have to bide his time for another opportunity to collaborate with Murphy.