28 Years Later: The Cult of Jimmy Explained (for Americans)

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Following last year’s film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple continues the story of Spike, a teenager who ventured out of his protected village to explore a UK devastated by a decades-long outbreak of the Rage Virus. The first movie showed Spike rejecting his family and comfortable life to survive on his own in the dangerous landscape. Now, in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, Spike begins to regret his choice, discovering that the infected aren’t the only – or even the biggest – threats in this ruined world.

In “The Bone Temple,” we finally meet Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell), the unhinged leader of his gang, known as “The Jimmys,” who was first hinted at in “28 Years Later.” The story follows Spike as he’s violently inducted into the group and discovers, to his dismay, just how extreme Jimmy is in his attempt to prove he’s the son of the devil.

The Bone Temple‘s “Cult of Jimmy” Is Based on a Very Real Monster

British audiences will really get the humor and criticism in the first two 28 Years Later movies. Viewers in the US might not understand it as easily, so here’s a breakdown.

Jimmy Savile, born James Wilson Vicent Savile, became one of the UK’s most famous media personalities during the 20th century. He began his career as a DJ in the late 1950s, quickly building a popular weekly schedule that included a hugely successful Saturday show. Throughout the 1970s, he created a variety of innovative radio and TV programs, such as Savile’s Travels, where he interviewed people across the UK, Top of the Pops, a show dedicated to the pop music charts, and Jim’ll Fix It, where he fulfilled wishes made by viewers.

Jimmy Savile created a public image based on his unusual style and personality, combined with the family-friendly entertainment he offered. Despite this, for almost fifty years, he faced numerous claims of inappropriate conduct, and even accusations of abuse. However, because he was a well-known and influential figure – the face of British television, a successful businessman, and a philanthropist with powerful connections – these accusations never harmed his career or reputation.

After Jimmy Savile’s death in October 2011, numerous allegations of sexual abuse quickly emerged. A television documentary aired in October 2012 revealed a decades-long pattern of abuse, with reports indicating over 300 to 400 victims – ranging from children to the elderly, and even, reportedly, corpses. Following extensive investigations and coordination between police, it became clear that Jimmy Savile was one of the most prolific and heinous sex offenders in UK history.

It soon became obvious that influential people throughout Britain – in politics, entertainment, healthcare, business, and other areas – either helped cover up Savile’s abuse for years or deliberately ignored it. Since then, there’s been a widespread effort to remove his name from buildings and organizations he was associated with. This has been particularly upsetting for the public, who had largely seen him as a national icon.

28 Years Later Addresses Jimmy Savile’s Infamy (In A Brilliant Way)

The character “Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal” strongly resembles Jimmy Savile, particularly through the tracksuits and blonde wigs worn by all the “Jimmys” – a clear reference to Savile’s well-known style. Actor O’Connell’s portrayal, with its unusual voice and behavior, further emphasizes this connection. Additionally, Jimmy and his gang, known as the “Fingers,” seem to be inspired by Savile’s large family, as he was one of seven children.

In the film The Bone Temple, director Nia DaCosta and actor Jack O’Connell address the real-life trauma caused by Jimmy Savile by creating a chilling character study. Initially appearing quirky and harmless, Jimmy is quickly revealed as a monstrous sociopath who enjoys inflicting pain and manipulating those around him. While the specifics of his actions are presented through a horror lens, the film’s central message remains clear: Jimmy is a dangerous predator disguised as a charming personality.

The film culminates by drawing a connection to the real-life Jimmy Savile scandal. Just as Savile was exposed as a fraud and faced public condemnation, Lord Jimmy Crystal is revealed to be a fake and meets a similar fate, essentially experiencing his own downfall. In his dying moments, Crystal abandons the artificial voice and personality he’d adopted, and dies as his true self.

The new movie, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, is out in cinemas now! Join the conversation about it on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-15 19:15