Nia DaCosta and Jack O'Connell on 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

Key Concepts

• 28 Years Later: Sequel to the film 28 Days Later, expanding upon the established world and themes.
• Alex Garland: Director and writer of 28 Years Later.
• Danny Boyle/Spike: Reference to Danny Boyle, director of 28 Days Later, and potentially a character named Spike (likely referencing Cillian Murphy’s character, Jim).
• The Bone Temple: Presumably a previous work by Alex Garland, serving as a point of thematic comparison.
• Flamboyance: A key characteristic used in the development of a specific character.
• Darkicality: A term used by the director to gauge an actor’s understanding of a role’s complexity.
• “Twisted Gay”: A descriptor used to define a character’s personality, ultimately securing an actor the role.

Character Development & Initial Attraction to the Project

The speaker expresses a strong fondness for 28 Days Later and was immediately drawn to the opportunity to work on 28 Years Later due to Alex Garland’s expansion of the film’s universe. The appeal wasn’t simply continuing the story established by Danny Boyle (and potentially a character named Spike), but rather the thematic depth Garland brought to the narrative, building upon the foundations laid by Kelson (played by Refine in a previous work, likely The Bone Temple). The speaker specifically highlights the opportunity to “do something different” as a primary motivator.

Initial Impressions of the Character & Performance Approach

The character, as presented in the script, immediately struck the speaker as “quite flamboyant.” This impression was triggered by details like the mention of a “tiara” and the specific structure of the character’s dialogue. The speaker’s intention was to “lean towards that” flamboyance in their performance. This suggests a deliberate choice to emphasize a particular aspect of the character’s personality.

The "Twisted Gay" Descriptor & Casting

A pivotal moment in the casting process involved the speaker using the phrase “twisted gay” to describe their interpretation of the character during a meeting with the director. The speaker notes that this descriptor seemed to resonate strongly with the director, stating, “I could tell that got me the job.” The director’s reaction – a visible spark of recognition – indicated a shared understanding of the character’s complexity. The speaker acknowledges using “darkicality” frequently in discussions about roles, suggesting a preference for nuanced and challenging characters.

Director’s Reaction & Shared Vision

The director’s reaction to the “twisted gay” descriptor is described as immediate and positive. The speaker recalls the director’s eyes “sparkled,” signifying a confirmation of the actor’s understanding and a shared vision for the character. This suggests the director was actively seeking an actor who could embrace and portray this specific facet of the character’s personality.

Connection to Previous Work & Thematic Expansion

The speaker emphasizes that 28 Years Later isn’t merely a continuation of 28 Days Later; it’s a thematic expansion of the world initially created. The reference to The Bone Temple suggests Garland’s previous work informed the approach to 28 Years Later, and the speaker’s role was to build upon the groundwork established by Kelson’s character. This highlights a deliberate effort to create a cohesive and evolving narrative universe.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The interview excerpt reveals a casting process driven by a shared understanding of a character’s complex and unconventional personality. The director’s willingness to embrace and even actively seek an actor who could articulate a nuanced interpretation – specifically using the descriptor “twisted gay” – demonstrates a commitment to bold and unconventional characterization. The speaker’s enthusiasm for the project stems from the opportunity to expand upon the established world of 28 Days Later while simultaneously exploring new thematic territory. The emphasis on “darkicality” and the director’s positive reaction to the “twisted gay” descriptor suggest a focus on portraying characters with depth, complexity, and a willingness to challenge conventional norms.