Jack O’Connell is capturing attention in Hollywood as his latest film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, prepares for its release on January 16, 2024. The film, directed by Nia DaCosta, features O’Connell in a striking role as cult leader Sir Jimmy Crystal. This part adds to the actor’s growing reputation for playing complex, often villainous characters, following his recent success in Ryan J. Coogler‘s Sinners, which has garnered significant acclaim during awards season.
During a recent interview at London’s 45 Park Lane hotel, O’Connell discussed his evolving career and the impact of his latest projects. He reflected on the success of Sinners, which has achieved a remarkable box office total of £368 million. The film’s success reassured O’Connell about the resilience of cinema, stating, “It sort of fills me with the promise about cinema-going… for people to go and watch Sinners, it’s really, really reassuring.”
From Breakout Star to Cult Leader
O’Connell first gained fame in the gritty teen drama Skins, where he played the charismatic character Cook. This role was pivotal in shaping his career, allowing him to refine his craft alongside emerging talents like Kaya Scodelario and Luke Pasqualino. He described his time on the show as “university,” emphasizing the experience gained during its production.
Over the years, O’Connell has taken on a variety of roles, including in films like Starred Up and Lady Chatterley’s Lover. He is also known for his portrayal of British Army officer Paddy Mayne in the BBC series SAS: Rogue Heroes. These diverse roles showcase his range as an actor and his ability to engage audiences.
In 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, O’Connell steps into a darker narrative, portraying a character that embodies the depths of human depravity. He describes Sir Jimmy as “a vehicle through the uttermost darkest, depraved parts of us,” emphasizing the character’s chaotic nature in a post-apocalyptic setting. The film explores themes of unchecked power, drawing parallels to real-world figures like British media personality Jimmy Savile, whose legacy of abuse serves as a haunting backdrop for the narrative.
Collaboration and Growth
Working alongside Ralph Fiennes proved to be a highlight for O’Connell. He described Fiennes as a mentor, noting the importance of learning from such a seasoned actor. “You’re never done learning,” O’Connell stated, reflecting on the process of collaborating with someone of Fiennes’s caliber. Their interaction was marked by a shared commitment to exploring the depths of their characters, which added a rich layer to their performances.
O’Connell also praised the directorial styles of both Nia DaCosta and Danny Boyle, noting their unwavering dedication to storytelling. He recognized DaCosta’s unique vision for The Bone Temple, which he believes sets the film apart from its predecessors. O’Connell acknowledged the difference in shooting styles, highlighting DaCosta’s more static approach compared to Boyle’s dynamic techniques.
As he prepares for the film’s release, O’Connell expressed pride in the work done on 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. He hopes audiences will embrace the film and its unsettling themes, stating, “I’m enormously proud. So, yes, I am biased. But I think people are going to lose their minds over it.”
In the midst of this exciting period, O’Connell is also looking ahead to his role in Boyle’s upcoming biographical drama Ink. In this film, he portrays Larry Lamb, a significant figure in British media history. O’Connell’s continued exploration of complex characters indicates his commitment to meaningful storytelling, as he navigates the evolving landscape of the film industry.
As 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple approaches its release, O’Connell is clearly poised for further success. His ability to tackle challenging roles with depth and nuance positions him as one of Hollywood’s most compelling actors. Audiences eagerly await January 16, when they will have the chance to witness O’Connell’s latest transformation on screen.
