28 Years Later concludes with a thrilling and unforeseen twist, leaving viewers curious about the plot’s developments within the horror series. Directed by the duo of Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, who worked together on 2002’s 28 Days Later, this latest installment unfolds nearly three decades after the Rage Virus devastated the United Kingdom. On a secluded island away from the mainland, an insular town has learned to safeguard itself against the infected. Inspired by curiosity, Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) takes his 12-year-old son Spike (Alfie Williams) on his initial expedition onto the mainland for a confrontation with the infected, leading to a string of harrowing encounters with these evolved creatures. Upon their return home, Spike decides to venture back to the mainland with his ailing mother, Isla (Jodie Comer), in search of assistance from Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), who some claim has lost his sanity in the post-apocalyptic world.
In the finale of “28 Years Later”, some viewers are left puzzled due to an extraordinary and enigmatic appearance by Jack O’Connell, who played the lead in the film. Previously, O’Connell showcased his talent as the Irish vampire Remmick in Ryan Coogler’s highly-acclaimed action-horror movie this year. It appears that O’Connell’s character may have a more significant role to play in the future of the “28 Years Later” trilogy. There are many intriguing aspects to consider when it comes to the ending of “28 Years Later”, as it also serves as a foundation for its upcoming sequel, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple”.
WARNING: Spoilers below for 28 Years Later
28 Years Later‘s Cliffhanger Ending Explained
After Isla’s passing and Spike placing her skull on Dr. Kelson’s monument, Spike takes home an infant born from a contaminated source, bypassing his father who had previously struck him in their last encounter. Instead of reconciling with his father, Spike ventures into the mainland to explore the unknown world he has yet to see. Meanwhile, the island’s locals look after the baby, leaving Jamie deeply saddened by his son’s absence. As Spike navigates the mainland landscape, a horde of infected attacks him. Just when it seems all hope is lost, individuals wearing vibrant tracksuits appear and swiftly eliminate all the infected with acrobatic finesse and gruesome displays. The leader among them identifies himself as Jimmy and proposes a friendship to Spike.
In the movie “28 Years Later,” Spike’s choice to depart from his home signifies the significant transformation he experiences throughout the story. Raised with an insular perspective by his father and conditioned to kill repeatedly, Spike chooses a new path when he ventures into the wilderness with his mother Isla. There, he meets Dr. Kelson who imparts knowledge that Jamie could never teach him about the world he’s been secluded from since birth. Dr. Kelson underscores the certainty of death by repeating the Latin phrase “memento mori,” which helps Spike comprehend that life doesn’t have to culminate in violence, and instead highlights the importance of love. The abrupt change in tone from Isla’s emotional demise to Jimmy’s eccentric arrival in “28 Years Later” might seem sudden, but it provides a powerful clue about what lies ahead.
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28 Years Later’s Sir Jimmy Crystal is Based on A Real Person
Sir Jimmy Crystal seems to be a leader of a group, as many followers share his name and similar clothing style. In the movie “28 Years Later,” a younger version of Jimmy is shown in the opening scene when a group of infected attack his family while they are watching Teletubbies. Jimmy’s father, a priest, is later seen succumbing to the infected in his church. At the end of the movie, Jimmy appears wearing a crucifix given to him by his father before he died, but this character wears it upside down. Additionally, Jimmy’s name is carved into an upside-down infected body that Jamie and Spike discover while exploring the mainland, and can be seen written on a wall during Spike and Isla’s journey. All of this implies that Jimmy has gained quite a following over the years since he lost his family and may intend to exert control over Spike after saving his life.
In a bold finale of the movie “28 Years Later“, Jimmy’s flamboyant introduction seems to draw parallels with Jimmy Savile, the enigmatic British television figure who was accused of sexually abusing numerous individuals, many of them minors. The characters in “28 Years Later” resembling Savile and their followers suggest that he may have been the inspiration for their portrayal.
Boyle has affirmed the link in recent conversations, stating “Jimmy Savile is just as associated with pop culture as he is with sports attire, cricket, or honors – it’s all intertwined in a distorted recollection that people hold onto and then reconstruct as an iconic image for their followers,” Boyle explained to Business Insider.
In the critique of a movie exploring the theme of British seclusion, the portrayal of an enigmatic character reminiscent of a cult leader seems remarkably appropriate. Adorned with golden accessories and projecting an air of royal authority, O’Connell’s Jimmy is ideally suited to take on a significant role in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.
How Does 28 Years Later‘s Ending Set Up the Sequel?
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple marks Garland’s return to pen the script, with Nia DaCosta stepping up as director replacing Boyle. For the moment, specific plot details are being kept secret, but it is confirmed that Taylor-Johnson, Williams, Fiennes, and O’Connell will reprise their roles in this sequel. The ending of 28 Years Later hints at Jimmy’s return, which may lead to a partnership with Spike, making his cult a significant aspect of the storyline in The Bone Temple. It’s likely that the movie will delve deeper into Jimmy’s past and explain how he managed to build a cult in the isolated U.K.
In the aftermath of his wife’s passing, Jamie finds himself apart from his son, Isla, who is now being raised among the island community. It’s uncertain if Jamie will try to find Spike and mend their relationship, but it seems likely. Meanwhile, Dr. Kelson continues to dwell on the mainland with his collection of skulls, suggesting a future encounter between him and Spike. Beyond these ongoing narratives, The Bone Temple is certain to introduce fresh stories and characters.
In addition, the emergence of Cillian Murphy’s character Jim from 28 Days Later could add an extra layer of intrigue to The Bone Temple storyline. Furthermore, it’s possible that The Bone Temple may introduce new strains of infected creatures that pose a threat to its protagonists. With numerous possibilities for the narrative of The Bone Temple and the ending of 28 Days Later hinting at more zombies, grisly scenes, and captivating character interactions, the story promises to be engaging and action-packed.
28 years after its initial release, the movie is now showing in cinemas. On January 16, 2026, you can catch the premiere of “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” in theaters.
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2025-06-20 18:40