From the top floors of London’s luxurious 45 Park Lane hotel, the skyline is hidden behind gloomy clouds. This typical British weather gives locals a perfect excuse for small talk—it’s either about the weather or the assortment of pastries available.
As publicists, makeup artists, and journalists linger in the room, we all share a laugh about the dreariness. Amidst this, Jack O’Connell walks in, sporting a cozy cream sweater and black trousers. He bites into an apple, and with a surprisingly upbeat tone, declares, “I love winter.”
For many, that might be a trivial comment, but for those familiar with O’Connell’s unpredictable roles on screen, it’s revealing. At 35, he has had a remarkable year, recently starring in Ryan Coogler’s vampire film Sinners, which has garnered immense acclaim, even winning the Golden Globe for best box office achievement.
Reflecting on the film’s success, O’Connell expresses relief. “In a fearful era for cinema, people flocking to see Sinners is reassuring. It shows resilience,” he shares. It’s a promising sign for audiences and filmmakers alike.
O’Connell first made a name for himself playing Cook in the teen drama Skins back in the 2000s. “It was like university for us,” he recalls. “While others studied, we were filming the coolest show ever.” His breakthrough role exposed him to acting at an early age, helping him develop essential skills.
Since Skins, O’Connell has created a diverse portfolio, featuring in films like Starred Up, Lady Chatterly’s Lover, and Ferrari. Recently, he took on possibly his wildest role yet as the bleach-blond cult leader Sir Jimmy Crystal in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, releasing on January 16.
This film is a zombie sequel that digs into the dark parts of humanity in a post-apocalyptic world. O’Connell describes his character as “a vehicle through the darkest parts of us.” He’ll clash with a young protagonist, Spike, played by Alfie Williams, who becomes ensnared in Sir Jimmy’s twisted world.
Interestingly, many fans speculate that Sir Jimmy’s character may be inspired by the notorious British TV personality Jimmy Savile. O’Connell acknowledges the connection, suggesting that Sir Jimmy embodies unchecked power and serves to unsettle the audience.
The film’s backdrop takes place in a universe where society has faced a virus outbreak since 2002, echoing themes relevant to contemporary issues around media and authority. “I think it’s about the fallout of unchecked fame,” O’Connell remarks, bringing attention to how popular culture can falter.
Working with actors like Ralph Fiennes has been a highlight for O’Connell. Learning from such talent has enriched his approach to acting. Regarding the film’s direction, he points out notable differences between Danny Boyle and Nia DaCosta. “Both are unwavering in their pursuit of a great performance,” he emphasizes.
O’Connell finds that playing darker roles isn’t something he actively seeks out. “I enjoy each role the same way—with curiosity,” he states.
Looking ahead, O’Connell is set to portray Larry Lamb in Boyle’s upcoming film Ink, a story about the media’s evolution. He reflects on the drastic changes in journalism since Lamb’s time, questioning, “Have we lost the art of responsible news reporting?”
As he prepares for the release of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, O’Connell is filled with excitement. “I believe audiences will be blown away,” he says, showcasing his genuine pride in the film.
In the end, when asked who would come out on top in a face-off between his two recent characters, he cheekily responds, “One on one? Remmick.”
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple hits theaters in the UK on January 14 and in the US on January 16.
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