28 Years Later spoilers follow.
A photo from the set of 28 Years Later has revealed a first look at Jack O'Connell's controversial character.
The long-awaited sequel stars O'Connell as Sir Jimmy Crystal, a cult leader whose members all share the same Jimmy name.
The character has sparked controversy with his peroxide blond wig, shell suit and cracked smile, which seemingly reference Jimmy Savile - the children's entertainer who was posthumously accused of hundreds of instances of sexual abuse.
Franchise director Danny Boyle recently confirmed that Savile was, in fact, the inspiration for Sir Jimmy Crystal.
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"He's as much to do with pop culture as he is to do with sportswear, to do with cricket, to do with the honours system," he told Business Insider.
"It's all kind of twisting in this partial remembrance, clinging onto things and then recreating them as an image for followers."
Related: Does 28 Years Later have a post-credit scene?
In new behind-the-scenes images, O'Connell is seen (in the sixth and seventh images of the Instagram carousel) in his contentious role, smiling with co-star Connor Newell, who plays one of the cult members.
The Instagram post, shared by Newell's representation MT Management, also features a picture of the other cult members in their matching wigs and colourful shell suits, with O'Connell crouching in the centre of the group.
The cult appears to be made up of both male and female members, with The Brutalist's Emma Laird and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier's Erin Kellyman also part of the group.
28 Years Later is out now in cinemas.
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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a "telly addict" since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.
