A thrilling new trailer for the sequel to 28 Years Later has been released, featuring a barely recognisable star from a popular BBC period drama.
Jack O’Connell, known for his roles in SAS Rogue Heroes and films such as Sinners and Unbroken, stars in the horror sequel after making a brief appearance in the previous film.
The Bone Temple, as it’s subtitled, promises to delve deeper into the world created by director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland, but with a twist. The good news for fans is that they won’t have to wait as long for this film to hit cinemas as they did for the previous two.
28 Days Later first hit screens in 2002, followed by 28 Weeks Later in 2007. Fans then had to wait over a decade for 28 Years Later, which was released in 2025.
However, The Bone Temple will be hitting cinemas less than two years later, in January 2026.
Continuing the gripping saga, Ralph Fiennes reprises his role as Dr. Kelson and finds himself in a shocking new relationship, reports the Mirror.
This leads to consequences that could alter the world as we know it, and Spike’s (played by Alfie Williams) encounter with Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) becomes a nightmare he can’t escape. In the world of The Bone Temple, the infected are no longer the biggest threat to survival – the inhumanity of the survivors proves to be even more horrifying.
Candyman and The Marvels filmmaker Nia DaCosta takes charge of the follow-up.
Aaron Taylor Johnson is also anticipated to return to his previous role.
Nevertheless, what immediately grabs viewers’ attention is O’Connell’s portrayal of grown-up Jimmy Crystal.
He commands a fresh post-apocalyptic faction known as The Jimmys.
Marvel and Star Wars performer Erin Kellyman also appears as part of this group. This figure appeared at the start of 28 Years Later.
He represents a long-term survivor of the infection who watched his family’s horrific demise and has subsequently transformed into a ruthless gang commander.
Rather strangely, all followers, including the leader himself, sport lengthy blonde locks and golden jewellery, modelling themselves on the disgraced television personality Jimmy Savile.
This reference was deliberate, as Boyle and Garland have discussed how the fresh trilogy will explore the various ways survivors recall history.
Though given the outbreak happened in 2002, this might represent a reality where Savile’s offences remained hidden.
Boyle explained to Business Insider: “He’s (Savile) as much to do with pop culture as he is to do with sportswear, to do with cricket, to do with the honours system. It’s all kind of twisting in this partial remembrance, clinging onto things and then recreating them as an image for followers.”
Supporter enthusiasm has intensified following the trailer’s debut.
Particularly since reports continue suggesting the original picture’s lead Cillian Murphy might make a brief appearance. Responding to the trailer, one viewer exclaimed: “Oh my gosh I love Jack O’Connell, I can’t wait to see more of him as a villain after Sinners! !”.
Another chimed in: “Wow, what an epic trailer. Now I’ll be watching this another 50 times.”
A different fan confessed: “For some reason, the Jimmy Savile cult narrative has got me completely hooked on this franchise.”
28 Years Later The Bone Temple is in cinemas January 16.