Cillian Murphy celebrated his long-awaited return to the 28 Years Later film series as he joined his co-stars for the world premiere of sequel The Bone Temple in London.
Battling heavy rain, which forced organisers to sweep down the black carpet, the Peaky Blinders star joined glamorous leading ladies Emma Laird and Erin Kellyman for the launch at BFI IMAX Waterloo.
Cillian, who is an executive producer on 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, had previously confirmed he would star in the second film in Danny Boyle’s film series, with his small appearance setting the stage for a larger role in a planned third film.
The actor opted for a sharp grey suit and a black polo neck as he posed solo on the black carpet.
Meanwhile Emma, who reprises her role as Jimmima, caught the eye in a fun pale blue gown with a dramatic ruffled skirt.
Erin, who stars as Jimmy Ink, arrived for the premiere in metallic gold gown as she celebrated the release of the long-awaited sequel.
Cillian Murphy celebrated his long-awaited return to the 28 Years Later film series as he joined his co-stars for the world premiere of sequel The Bone Temple in London
Battling heavy rain, which forced organisers to sweep down the black carpet, he joined glamorous leading ladies Emma Laird and Erin Kellyman for the launch at BFI IMAX Waterloo
The first 28 Years Later film hit cinemas back in June, and starred Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Jodie Comer as a couple attempting to survive in a survival settlement, that’s cut itself off from the world in the wake of the zombie outbreak.
Cillian famously appeared in the first film 28 Days Later back in 2002, launching both his career and that of director Danny Boyle.
Taking place after the events of the first film, The Bone Temple sees young Spike (Alfie Williams) inducted into Sir Jimmy Crystal’s gang of acrobatic killers in a post-apocalyptic Britain ravaged by the Rage Virus.
Sir Jimmy (played by Jack O’Connell) is the leader of a sinister cult known as The Jimmys, while Ralph Fiennes also returns as Dr. Ian Kelson.
Cillian had previously confirmed he would be making a brief appearance in The Bone Temple, telling The Observer it’s hoped his role will set the stage for a third film.
He said: ‘Everyone’s got to go and see the second one’ and said he hopes fans will get to see a third film as the second is ‘really, really good.’
In the previous film 28 Years Later, one unexpected detail has left fans completely baffled as there was a seeming reference to disgraced TV presenter Jimmy Savile.
The ‘bizarre’ ending introduced Jack O Connell’s character, cult leader Sir Jimmy Crystal, who appears to have been directly inspired by Jim’ll Fix It presenter Savile.
Cillian, who is an executive producer on 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, had previously confirmed he would star in the second film in Danny Boyle’s film series
The actor opted for a sharp grey suit and a black polo neck as he posed on the black carpet
Meanwhile Emma, who reprises her role as Jimmima, caught the eye in a fun pale blue gown with a dramatic ruffled skirt
The star beamed as she arrived for the film’s premiere after it was filmed back-to-back with 28 Years Later, which hit cinemas back in June
As stars battled the wet weather at the premiere, Emma was in high spirits despite the rain
Erin, who stars as Jimmy Ink, arrived for the premiere in metallic gold gown as she celebrated the release of the long-awaited sequel
Erin and Emma struggled to contain their laughter as they arrived for the red carpet together
Despite the weather, much of the cast were in high spirits at the event, ahead of the film’s release in the UK on Wednesday and the US on Friday
Taking place after the events of the first film, The Bone Temple sees young Spike (Alfie Williams) is inducted into Sir Jimmy Crystal’s gang of acrobatic killers
Sir Jimmy (played by Jack O’Connell) is the leader of a sinister cult known as The Jimmys, while Ralph Fiennes also returns as Dr. Ian Kelson (pictured)
Jack O’Connell, who has an expanded role in this film as cult leader Sir Jimmy Crystal
The actor cut a suave figure in a sharp blue suit as he joined his co-stars on the black carpet
Jack was joined by 28 Years Later producer Danny Boyle and its young star Alfie Williams, who is reprising his role as Spike from the first film
Danny, an Oscar winner for this 2008 hit Slumdog Millionaire, wrapped up against the elements
Nia DaCosta, who has taken over directing duties for this new film, cut an edgy figure in a sheer mesh PVC dress
Sex Education star Mirren Mack slipped into a black satin thigh-split gown with a lace neckline
Andy Serkis, a veteran of Hollywood roles, supported his son Louis Ashbourne Serkis in one of his first acting roles
The star opted for a sharp burgundy red co-ord as he celebrated the release of the film
Sexual abuse allegations emerged against Savile after his death in 2011, and it is believed he preyed on around 500 victims aged from five to 75 years old over many decades.
And the movie appeared to reference the disgraced former BBC star as Sir Jimmy and his cult followers were all dressed up in tracksuits, blonde wigs and jewellery.
If the visual parallels weren’t enough, all of the characters were also called ‘Jimmy’ as the cult appeared to have modelled itself off the infamous sexual predator.
In the fictional world of 28 Years Later, it is not known whether Savile’s crimes would have come to light, given the virus took over the UK in 2002, 10 years before they were uncovered in real life.
Viewers were left completely shocked by the ‘weird’ reference with many taking to social media to share their confusion over the ending, arguing the reference to Savile wasn’t necessary.
Taking to X, they wrote: ‘Just realised that Jack O’Connells character in 28 Years Later could be a nod to Jimmy Savile’;
‘Seriously don’t get that last minute whatsoever weirdest tone shift ever’; ’28 years later……did it really need the Jimmy Savile angle?’;
‘Watched 28 years later last night and I can’t believe they had a character called Jimmy who dressed exactly like Jimmy Savile’;
‘Just seen 28 Years Later. Is ‘Jimmy’ and gang modelling themselves on Jimmy Savile?!’
Confused viewers also pointed out that American viewers would likely have no idea what the reference to Savile meant, given the British figure’s fall from grace was widely known in the UK but less so worldwide.
Not referencing Savile, other fans took to social media to general share their baffled thoughts after the movie jarringly transitioned from an emotional death scene to Sir Jimmy and his clan – before abruptly ending.
Comments included: ‘I really liked 28 years later!! I think it adds more to the franchise but damn that ending fell flat!’;
‘After telling my wife about 28 Years Later I think I’ve warmed to the ending a little’; 28 Years Later ending got me all like huh?;
‘The ending of 28 years later is so stupid, they could never make me hate it’; ‘Just watched 28 years later and holy!! Was so good (except for the ending lowkey bonkers)’;
Jonathan Ross’ wife Jane Goldman displayed her recent weight loss as they arrived for the premiere together
Laura Whitmore was also among the stars in attendance for the premiere
The presenter opted for a black PVC coat with a white faux fur trim
It was a date night for Laura as she arrived for the premiere with her husband Iain Stirling, himself enjoying an unexpected break after the launch of Love Island: All Stars was delayed
Harley Moon Kemp wrapped up in a black short coat with a gold embroidery
‘Watched 28 years later and it was as mostly good but the ending gave me incredibly weird vibes’;
‘The ending of 28 Years Later kind of justifies seeing it in theaters, solely to hear the reactions of the audience. Did not see that coming at all, and I honestly kind of loved it, as jarring as it was.’
According to Business Insider, director Danny confirmed the rumours that Savile was the inspiration behind Jack’s character.
‘He’s as much to do with pop culture as he is to do with sportswear, to do with cricket, to do with the honors system,’ he allegedly told the publication of Savile.
‘It’s all kind of twisting in this partial remembrance, clinging onto things and then recreating them as an image for followers.’
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