PSA: Please don’t dress up as the Jimmies from ‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’
The film's main villains are modelled after Jimmy Savile, Britain's most notorious paedophile and sexual predator of modern times
By Nick Reilly
In the wake of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple‘s release, fans of the acclaimed horror franchise from across the globe are beginning to learn that you should probably think twice before dressing as the major villains from the latest film.
Nia DaCosta’s latest instalment in the series was released last week and is already proving to be a significant hit, attracting critical acclaim (including a five-star Rolling Stone UK review) as well as grossing $31 million globally in its opening weekend.
But when it comes to the film’s main antagonists, the Jimmies, fans from across the globe are learning that you probably shouldn’t dress up as them if you’re attending a screening or, for that matter, in general.
In the film, we see Spike (Alfie Williams) being taken in by a group of murderous outcasts all dressed in blonde wigs, shell suits and gold chains. The only problem here, for fledgling cosplayers, is that the outfits are modelled on the distinctive look of Jimmy Savile – Britain’s most notorious paedophile and sex offender of modern times.
Savile was a prolific British DJ and TV presenter for over five decades who used his influence to get into powers of position which enabled him to sexually abuse hundreds of people over the course of his life, mostly children. The abuse happened backstage during the filming of shows such as Top of the Pops, but also at children’s homes and NHS hospitals where Savile had managed to become a frequent presence.
@gabs.dsc Give Jimmy Saville a search and youll see why this is NOT ICONIC Seen a few too many pictures of people dressing up like Jimmy…. #28yearslater #bonetemple #movies #28yearslatermovie #filmtok ♬ original sound – gabs.dsc
Which, understandably, means that you probably shouldn’t dress up as the characters from the film. It makes complete sense that international fans might not know who Savile is, but it’s caused a fair few fans on social media to face some hard truths when showing off their outfits inspired by the film.
“I realised that I’ve clearly made a huge mistake. This was not the aesthetic I intended and I apologise for offending anyone. Appreciate you guys for flagging it and explaining the connection,” wrote one TikTok user.
The resemblance and connection to Savile was previously confirmed by Jack O’Connell, who plays the gang’s satanic leader Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal.
“I think he sort of models himself on the memory of this figure that was always on TV,” O’Connell told the Hollywood Reporter. But of course, the Rage Virus took hold in 2002 – which means that Savile’s crimes were never outed in that world.
“I think what Alex [Garland, screenwriter] means behind that, and I can’t speak for him, but my take was unchecked power. I think it totally exists in the story to unsettle,” added O’Connell.
A third film in the 28 Years Later trilogy has already been greenlit, with Danny Boyle expressing interest in returning to direct it.
In our five=star review of The Bone Temple, we described it as “an audacious, jaw on the floor masterpiece”.
“This is a film that takes an audacious swing for the fences and comes out as one of the most brilliantly unsettling things you’re likely to see all year,” our review stated. “Between Alex Garland’s contemplative script and Nia DaCosta’s constant establishment of pressure-cooker dread, we’re faced with a film where the infected take something of a back seat and are instead afforded a look at the reality of what’s happened to those left behind. The result is something magnificent.”