Jack O'Connell: Hollywood'S New Villain We Can'T Get Enough Of

Rising as the Face of Evil

Jack O'Connell has become the poster child for Hollywood's latest wave of villains, and audiences worldwide are buzzing. With his devilish grin and intense gaze, the English actor has embraced his inner darkness to deliver some of the most chilling performances of 2026. In Ryan Coogler's 2025 sensation "Sinners," O'Connell mesmerized viewers as the Irish vampire Remmick, turning Michael B. Jordan's night into a bloodcurdling symphony of terror. And now, he's set to unsettle audiences further as the cult leader Sir Jimmy Crystal in the horror sequel "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple," hitting theaters on January 16.

A Stroke of Luck

O'Connell, 35, admits his entry into this villainous phase wasn't a calculated move. "It was a bit of luck, maybe," he shares, attributing his new cinematic persona to sheer serendipity. As Sir Jimmy, O'Connell crafts a character both flamboyant and menacing, a man whose dark past fuels his malevolent actions. "We know that he's gone through this horrific trauma," O'Connell explains, "and not only your family's ripped to shreds before your eyes but your father's some sort of devout devotee of that, too. It's going to mess you up, man."

“Out of everyone in the movie, he's having the best time. Without question. So why not have fun with it?”

Embracing the Darkness

Director Nia DaCosta reflects on O'Connell's appeal, noting a common thread between his roles. "They're both wanting family, interestingly. Which motivates a lot of people to do bad things," she observes, drawing parallels between Sir Jimmy and O'Connell's character in "Sinners." It's this complex portrayal of villainy that has made O'Connell's performances stand out, seamlessly blending a character's sinister nature with an underlying vulnerability.

Future Endeavors

Beyond his villainous roles, O'Connell is set to star in Danny Boyle's journalism drama "Ink" and the anticipated blockbuster "Godzilla x Kong: Supernova." With an LA trip planned for the Actor Awards and potentially the Oscars, O'Connell is enjoying the fruits of his labor. "I absolutely adore acting," he gushes, reflecting on his journey from troubled youth roles in "Skins" to war hero in Angelina Jolie's "Unbroken." As his career continues to evolve, O'Connell remains grateful for the opportunity to captivate audiences, whether as a hero or a villain.