This is the kind of red carpet chat we like to see...

Boyle and O’Connell previously worked together on 28 Years Later (2025), with the actor making a brief appearance as cult leader Sir Jimmy Crystal at the end of the film. He later returned as the major antagonist in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. 

Now, they’ve reunited for Ink, the upcoming drama about Rupert Murdoch’s early ownership of The Sun and Larry Lamb’s reign as editor.

And it’s safe to say the pair were pretty happy to be working together again. Speaking on the red carpet, O’Connell didn’t hold back when discussing his admiration for the filmmaker.

“What an actor!” Boyle said, before explaining that he’d been envious of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple director Nia DaCosta for getting to work with O’Connell throughout the sequel.

“It was wonderful to offer him this part,” he continued.

“He was excellent,” Boyle said, before explaining exactly what makes O’Connell such a compelling actor. “He’s very interesting because he has enormous charm, very funny when he needs to be – all those kinds of skills he has.”

Boyle then referenced O’Connell’s performance in the 28 Years franchise, adding: “When you think about the character he played in 28, which was hugely repellent and yet you’re still drawn to him. You’re still fascinated by him, and that’s a rare gift.”

Additional thumbnail photo credit: Stuart C. Wilson (Getty Images)