Movies

28 Years Later’s Ending Has a Hidden British Pop Culture Reference Americans Might Miss

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Head’s up! Spoiler alert coming your way for the long-awaited 2025 release of “28 Years Later”. Catch it in mid-June if you dare!

The ending of the movie “28 Years Later” has sparked much debate. Not only does it neatly tie up loose ends from the beginning, but it also includes a few nods to popular culture, serving as a lead-in for its sequel, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple“, scheduled for release in 2026. A pop culture reference that some American viewers may have overlooked is connected to one of the most notorious scandals in British entertainment – the Jimmy Savile case. Here’s a deeper dive into it.

Teletubbies, Power Rangers, And Jimmy Savile

At the climactic point in the movie “28 Years Later“, Spike (Alfie Williams) pens a letter to his father, expressing his plan to depart for a solo journey temporarily. While pondering his imminent actions on the roadside, Spike is unexpectedly encircled by Infected creatures. Just as he prepares to engage in combat, Spike is joined by “Sir” Jimmy, brilliantly portrayed by Jack O’Connell, along with his group of tracksuit-donning fighters.

In a delightful nod to the movie’s opening, the vibrant tracksuits echo the scene where Jimmy is watching Teletubbies on TV as the Rage virus sweeps through Great Britain, some 28 years prior to the film’s main events. This subtle reference also recalls an earlier moment when Spike chooses not to bring his Power Ranger action figure along on his initial visit to the mainland.

As a movie connoisseur hailing from both sides of the pond, I can’t help but notice these clever allusions that leap off the screen for my fellow Brits and Yanks alike. However, it’s the third layer of this reference sandwich that may require a bit more context for our American friends – the tracksuits, the distinctive Jimmy haircut, and yes, even his name. For those with a keen eye, the nod to the infamous British figure, Jimmy Savile, is as clear as day.

Jimmy Savile Was An Icon In The United Kingdom Until He Was Revealed To Be A Monster

For many years, Savile, who passed away in 2011, reigned supreme as the most recognized DJ on Radio One. Additionally, he hosted programs like Top Of The Pops and his self-titled show, Jimmy’ll Fix It, which was similar to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in its nature. His fame extended beyond his radio and television appearances due to his extensive charitable work.

The situation took a drastic turn following his death, and numerous allegations of Savile’s child sexual abuse were brought to light. Publicly, he is now heavily discredited as more and more victims have shared their experiences. One might wonder why writer Alex Garland and director Danny Boyle would even mention such a despicable individual. However, there’s a method to their madness, though it may seem confusing at first, but it does make sense.

28 Years Later Presents What Amounts To An Alternate Timeline

The conversation initially began on social platforms, later verified by Danny Boyle himself. It has been mentioned that Garland and Boyle are reflecting on certain aspects in the movie. Keep in mind, it’s been 28 years since the Rage virus incident, meaning, in the universe of “28 Years Later,” the atrocities committed by Savile remained undisclosed, and he continued to be revered as a popular DJ and television host.

This theory is strengthened by the fact that the song “Delilah” by Tom Jones was once a common tune on British radio, but has fallen out of favor in recent years due to its controversial lyrics advocating violence against women. However, in the realm of “28 Years Later“, such a cultural cancelation did not occur, so the song’s reputation has yet to experience its intended outcome.

In the UK, Savile’s tale is widely recognized, but it didn’t garner significant attention in the U.S., except for a handful of documentaries. Therefore, while many Americans might be unfamiliar with this reference, some undoubtedly are aware of it.

If you’ve read this far without watching “28 Weeks Later”, what’s stopping you? TopMob’s Mike Reyes highly recommends the film with a perfect 5-star rating, and it’s easily one of my favorite films from this year.

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2025-06-25 22:07

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