Warning: Spoilers for28 Years Later.
As the first film of a forthcoming trilogy,28 Years Laterdoesn’t end in the way audiences might have anticipated. In fact, the tone of that final scene heavily contrasts with the rest of the movie. Nevertheless, it should serve as a grave warning of what’s to come now that Spike (Alfie Williams) has chosen to remain on the mainland alone, at least for the time being. As he works through the loss of his mother, Isla (Jodie Comer), and his newly discovered disillusionment with his father,Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), Spike’s encounter with a man named Sir Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) at the end of the film ultimately spells trouble.
After surviving on his own for 28 days, Spike is forced to flee a large group of infected who would certainly have killed him had it not been for Jimmy and his cult of parkour tracksuit followers. However, the rescue was no benevolent act, and there’s no telling just how dangerous a character like Jimmy will be as the franchise moves forward. Remember the infected body Jamie and Spike found hanging upside down? That was the work of Jimmy and his crew. Sure, we don’t know the details of what actually happened, but it can’t be a good sign that “Jimmy” was carved into the man’s chest.
When we consider that morbid warning, the appearance of Jimmy and his followers, and how viewers were first introduced to the character, it’s hard to imagine Spike’s new acquaintance will be anything but trouble. Given the various clues regarding his presence throughout the entire film, it’s clear he will be a major character as the franchise moves forward. So, who exactly is Jimmy?
Clues About Jimmy Are Throughout the Entire Film
28 Years Later
Audiences first meet Jimmy as a child during the film’s prologue. As the only survivor in a home overtaken by the infected, he manages to escape and flee to a nearby church where his radical father, a local pastor, is on his knees praying. Jimmy is quickly given a gold crucifix necklace just before hiding underneath the floorboards. Seconds later,his father willingly offers himself to the infected, clearly believing the Rage Virus is some sort of glorious day of Godly judgement.
The filmthen jumps 28 years later, leaving audiences to wonder whether the prologue was simply a one-off to set the tone or a scene meant to play a larger role in the film. That being said, it doesn’t take long to see clues about Jimmy scattered throughout the film.While out on their first hunting trip, Jamie and Spike come across that infected body strung upside down with “Jimmy” carved into his chest. Unsure of what transpired, Jamie tells Spike it’s likely a warning. However, what that warning might be for, we don’t really know quite yet, nor do they.
As the father and son explore the mainland, it’s clear Jimmy and his cult have walked those same paths. His name is written on a building, essentially equating him to God, you know, just like any good cult leader would do.What originally proclaimed, “Behold, He is coming with the clouds,” now has Jimmy’s name added to the epitaph. A frighteningly ominous addition given the state of the world. Finally, when viewers encounter a grown-up Jimmy at the end, his eccentric look and inverted gold crucifix necklace hold a sinister meaning as well asa warning about what’s to come.
Jimmy Resembles Britain’s Notorious Jimmy Savile
It’s no accident thatJimmy resembles Britain’s notorious Jimmy Savile, theonce-famed media personalitywho was ousted as a predatory sex offender after his death, when hundreds of allegations were posthumously made against him. After a lengthy police investigation, authorities ultimately concluded that Savile was possibly one of Britain’s most prolific sex offenders.
So, what does this mean for Spike, a 12-year-old boy on his own for the first time? Jimmy and his cult might havecome to Spike’s rescuejust in the nick of time, but that doesn’t mean Spike is free and clear of any trouble. In fact, he’s likely in more danger than ever before.
‘28 Years Later’ Writer Explains That Surprise Character in Divisive Ending
Alex Garland had deep and purposeful intentions when including one eccentric character at the end of the film.
Jimmy’s presence in28 Years Laterwas already unsettling enough without the extra layer of his Savile-inspired look. Given his followers match his attire and have even taken on his name, they’re all referred to as “Jimmy” in the credits;this cult of personality spells imminent trouble for Spike in a variety of ways. As such, the tone of the forthcoming sequel will likely be much darker than its predecessor.
Jimmy Sets Up ‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’
The ending of28 Years Latermight not have beenwhat audiences were expecting, but such a conclusion was meant to set up what’s to come in28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, and Jimmy will clearly be a major part of that story. He might have had a religious childhood, but if his father’s choices are any indication, those beliefs and what he might have been taught were rooted in radicalism.
When we then consider Jimmy’s now inverted cross and the inspiration of real-life predator Jimmy Savile, his role in what’s to come indicates something evil. Needless to say, the way Jimmy shows up at the end indicates that a wild and dark sequel is on the way.28 Years Lateris currently playing in theaters, and28 Years Later: The Bone Templeis scheduled to arrive on July 13, 2025.
