28 Years Later: New ‘The Bone Temple’ Trailer Spotlights Cult of Jimmy
Just when you thought it was safe to go back outside, Sony Pictures has dropped two new trailers for Nia DaCosta’s “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” and it looks like humanity is its own worst enemy. Again.
What’s New in “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” Trailers?
The fresh footage gives us a deeper, bloodier dive into the world that director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland so terrifyingly established. The sequel, which reportedly began filming just three weeks after its predecessor, “28 Years Later,” wrapped, continues the saga in a post-Rage Virus Britain. It seems the zombies—or “Infected,” if we’re being precise—are no longer the only monsters to fear. The real horror might just be the ones still breathing.
The new trailers for “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” introduce us to the film’s chilling new antagonist, Sir Jimmy Crystal, played with menacing charm by Jack O’Connell. We see young Spike (Alfie Williams) fall into the clutches of Jimmy and his unnerving cult of blond-haired, velour-tracksuit-wearing acolytes, aptly named the “Jimmies.” It’s like a post-apocalyptic boy band, but with more murder and less singing.
These trailers suggest a collision course between Jimmy’s violent crusade and the scientific efforts of Dr. Kelson, brought to life by the ever-compelling Ralph Fiennes. Kelson appears to be working on a treatment, or perhaps a cure, for the Alpha virus-carrier, Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry), a hulking figure who seems to be more than just your average rage-monster.
The plot synopsis, as shared by Sony Pictures, reveals a complex dynamic: “In the world of The Bone Temple, the infected are no longer the greatest threat to survival – the inhumanity of the survivors can be stranger and more terrifying.” It looks like we’re trading sprinting zombies for something far more insidious: people with a cause.
Unpacking Jimmy Crystal’s Twisted Motives in “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple”
One of the biggest takeaways from the new footage is the apparent motive behind Jimmy Crystal’s madness. He’s not just a thug; he’s a self-proclaimed prophet on a holy mission. In one trailer, Jimmy confronts Dr. Kelson, asking if he’s “Old Nick”—a classic term for the Devil. He preaches, “Old Nick released his demons unto the world of man, and the world of man fell before the demons.”
In the international version, he’s even more direct: “We travel the land, we search for souls… to deliver to hell.” Some fans on Reddit felt this was a “full reveal” of his motives, potentially spoiling a key part of the movie. One user, named -OooWWooO- wrote on Reddit, “He believes that the rage virus is satan unleashing his demons on the world and that he needs to send the living to hell.”
But is it that simple? This is an Alex Garland-penned universe, after all. Things are rarely what they seem. The holy warrior act could easily be a convenient justification for his gang’s sadistic tendencies. Remember, the first film showed us an infected man strung up with “Jimmy” carved into his chest. This isn’t just about faith; it’s about power and cruelty.
O’Connell’s character is reportedly inspired by the monstrous UK TV personality Jimmy Savile, which adds a deeply unsettling layer to his messianic complex. Dr. Kelson’s potential cure threatens Jimmy’s entire worldview and, more importantly, his control over his followers. If the “demons” can be tamed, what’s a demon hunter to do?
Final Thoughts
“28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is shaping up to be a brutal exploration of what happens when society collapses, and new, terrifying forms of order emerge from the chaos. With a powerhouse cast and the original creative team guiding the ship, this sequel looks to expand the lore in fascinating and horrifying ways. The film is set to open in cinemas on January 16th, 2026. Get your running shoes ready.
