28 Years Laterhas always ranked among my most anticipated films of the year, but I have grown even more excited about its release after watchingSinners. Four months in, and 2025 is already proving to be a great year for horror lovers. Highly acclaimedmovies likeNosferatu,The Monkey, andPresencehave already started the year on a high note. Ryan Coogler’sSinners, which is partly a vampire horror flick, has further maintained 2025’s momentum of delivering genre-bending original horror movies that are both creative and compelling.
In the months ahead, things are about to get even more exciting with movies like28 Years Later,Frankenstein,Megan 2.0, andHIMhitting the theaters.28 Years Later, in particular, is a highly anticipated film because, over two decades after28 Days Later’s release, Danny Boyle and Alex Garland have joined forces again to expand their brilliant zombie flick’s lore. What makes28 Years Latereven more hype-worthy is its subtle connection withSinners.

Jack O’Connell May Be Playing A Villain In 28 Years Later
The Actor Has Hinted His Role Is Antagonistic
28 Years Later’s trailersand promotional material have primarily focused on Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s character. While at it, they have also given a glimpse of who Edvin Ryding, Ralph Fiennes, and Jodie Comer will play in the post-apocalyptic film. However, when it comes to Jack O’Connell’s character in the sequel, most details remain unknown. What is known is that O’Connell will portray a character named Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal, who is a cult leader with a dark history.
In an interview (viaGQ), Jack O’Connell revealed that his character was “a gas c**t.” Although the actor could not find the right words to define his28 Years Latercharacter’s complex role, he said he was “thrilling to portray.” Hinting at how Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal might be one of the villains in the horror movie,O’Connell added that “he definitely exists in the darker pocket"and contrasts almost everything he has played as an actor so far. Going by what O’Connell has revealed, it would be fair to assume that his28 Years Latercharacter will not be among the morally righteous ones.

Sinners Just Proved How Great A Jack O’Connell Villain Can Be
O’Connell Delivers A Brilliant Performance In Sinners
Many things work inSinners' favor. Everything from Ryan Coogler’s brilliant direction to the film’s ingenious use of music allows it to establish itself as one of the most inventive and immersive vampire horror flicks of modern times. Even the performances of almost all cast members are memorable. However,Sinnerswould likely not have been half as commercially and critically successful if it weren’t for its villain casting choice. Despite not appearing almost halfway through the film, Jack O’Connell does an incredible job of making his character’s menacing presence known.
By proving his ability to capture the depth of his villainous character inSinners, Jack O’Connell has assured audiences that his performance in28 Years Laterwill not disappoint.
Every time he is on-screen, he carries himself with immense intensity and a quiet but fiery rage that reflects all the atrocities his character has experienced. O’Connell’s performance ensures that even though his vampire character, Remmick, seems evil, it is hard not to empathize with him.Remmick’s backstory inSinnersremains shrouded. However, O’Connell’s performance allows one to fill in the blanks and assume that before becoming an invader, he, too, was a victim.
By proving his ability to capture the depth of his villainous character inSinners, Jack O’Connell has assured audiences that his performance in28 Years Laterwill not disappoint.28 Years Later’s roster is already jam-packed with many talented stars.O’Connell’s involvement in the upcoming movie only further cements its potential to recreate 28 Days Later’s successand become one of the most influential modern horror flicks.
28 Years Later Can Continue Jack O’Connell’s Strong Horror Villain Run Now
Jack O’Connell Is No Stranger To Villainous Roles
Long beforeSinners, Jack O’Connell played morally complex characters in movies and shows likeStarred UpandSkins. From the looks of it, he will continue this trend of playing multi-layered antagonistic figures with his role in28 Years Later. Despite being a talented actor, O’Connell has remained relatively obscure and underrated. However, with compelling villain roles in movies likeSinnersand28Years Later, it looks like he is finally getting the attention he deserves, which will be crucial in paving the way for him to land more mainstream roles in other big-budget movies and TV shows.