Less than a year after his terrifying performance as an Irish dancing vampire in Ryan Coogler’s supernatural horror Sinners, Jack O’Connell is back with an even more outrageous villain role.
Sir Jimmy Crystal – whom the actor admits is the “craziest character” he’s ever seen – may have first appeared at the end of Danny Boyle’s zombie sequel 28 Years Later. But that was just a taste of the madness that was to come. In the raucous and bloody sequel to Nia DaCosta’s “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” (also written by Alex Garland, released January 16th), he comes into his own as the “Lord” of a satanic pseudo-evangelical cult of sadistic killers called Jimmy. Dressed in a rich purple jersey and with thick hair, Crystal was a special character, one O’Connell said he was happy to play the role himself.
Sony Pictures’ The Bone Temple is also the latest major project for the Brit, who is currently in the midst of a prolonged purple patch on the big screen with more significant titles on the way (including a foray into the MonsterVerse). While he says he can’t “analyze right now” the resurgence in the film industry, likely caused by 2024’s Back to Black, he admits he’s “sipping” and enjoying the reception his performance is receiving.
Sir Jimmy must have been a delicious character to fall in love with.
Yes, it was. It was so wild and fun. But there are no limits. So it’s very freeing in many ways.
What did you think of Jimmy when you first heard about him?
The only thing I remember is that more than anything else in his dialogue, he said “Sir Jimmy Crystal.” That in itself is easily the craziest character I’ve ever seen.
I think they came to you directly and there was no audition process.
I needed to go to Danny’s house and there was a little procedure involved. Nia was there too. And as a Danny Boyle fan, being invited to his home was a monumental day for me. We sat and chatted and then waited for a response.
I heard you hadn’t filmed “Sinners” yet at that time.
No, I was invited to Danny’s house before I went to New Orleans to film “Sinners.” But we knew it was going to happen, so when we had this meeting, we thought, if things go our way, it’s going to be a great year.
Sir Jimmy Crystal appears at the end of “28 Years Later,” and it’s a really wild tonal shift from the rest of the movie. What kind of reactions did you get from people who saw it?
Yeah, mostly it was awful. That’s great. And then there’s the ambiguity. I don’t know if these people are supposed to be liked or trusted. At first they seem to be a force for good, but as soon as the film begins, you realize that was a mistaken view. But it’s great and fun to play with people like that.
Jack O’Connell co-stars with Ralph Fiennes in “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple”
Did I read somewhere that the beautiful, almost royal-looking purple tracksuit you wear in the movie was your decision?
Yeah! Purple was the color of the monarch. So I thought that would give him status. he is very pure And he uses what he calls his “fingers” to do all the dirty work.
As you said, this year has been a great year for you with the “Sinners”. Did you enjoy being a villain?
Yes, I think so. But it was sheer luck that “Sinners” came along, followed by “The Bone Temple.” So I’ll just count my lucky chickens.
You play former The Sun editor-in-chief Larry Lamb, and you play a completely different villain in Ink, where you co-star with Danny again.
It’s a great space to be in. It’s biographical in a way, but it depicts a fascinating period in British culture. Yes, I’m Danny. It was a play, and a phenomenally successful play. And with another top top writer. Again, sheer luck.
And now we’re entering the MonsterVerse with another major studio series, this time Godzilla x Kong: Supernova. Is this another villain?
No, I think this guy is more of a straight shooter. It’s important to mix it up. But it was filmed and everything was done and dusted, so it was a phenomenal experience. Big toys, big machines, big studios. big!
Now seems like a great time to be directing Jack O’Connell, and since Back to Black you’ve been bouncing from one big film project to the next. Do you feel like you’re having a particularly great moment right now, and is there anything you can credit with it?
Personally, I’m always thinking about: So if things are well received, that’s great. But hopefully I can get a career that lasts a little longer. So I’m not going to get too analytical right now. But that being said, I feel like the reception to ‘Sinners’ has been great, and so far I feel like ‘The Bone Temple’ has been great as well. And it’s worth savoring the moment.
I think it was David Johnson who you mentioned in your BAFTA Rising Star nomination last year that you were a big inspiration to him as a young actor. But I’ve heard it from other people, too, from certain actors who weren’t born into privilege or had the industry connections to their advantage. Is that something you’ve heard or thought about?
I’m glad to hear that. It’s probably one of the most rewarding things you could hope for. Yes, that means a lot to me. I can name a few actors whose careers have meant the world to me. Especially in an industry like this, it definitely helps to have that family bond of being an outsider that other young actors can point to and say, “Yeah, that’s how they do it.” wonderful. It’s half the reason I get out of bed in the morning.
Finally, did you get the purple jersey?
Ah, it’s back again. 100%. In case you need it again.
