28 Years Later Ending Explained: Fans Divided Over Surreal Power Rangers Twist

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The highly anticipated sequel 28 Years Later has ignited a firestorm of debate among fans—not because of its gruesome infected scenes, but because of its unexpectedly surreal ending. The film, which continues the legacy of Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later universe, concludes on a tone so jarringly different that many viewers have compared it to Power Rangers.

An Unexpected Turn: Martial Arts and Colorful Tracksuits

In the film’s final moments, as protagonist Spike (played by Alfie Williams) prepares for a last stand against a charging horde of infected, a group of mysterious figures clad in brightly colored tracksuits enters the scene. Using synchronized martial arts to fend off the attackers, they seem almost cartoonishly heroic. Their leader, Sir Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell), steps forward and invites Spike to join them, delivering a moment that’s part hopeful, part bizarre.

This stylistic shift from grim, gritty survival horror to something resembling superhero fiction has split the audience. Social media erupted with takes like, “The ending of 28 Years Later was crazy—where the hell did the Power Rangers come from?” and “I didn’t expect a Power Rangers cameo, but I guess I’m not mad about it.” Another user quipped, “That finale straight-up felt like a Power Rangers reboot.”

Was It Foreshadowed? The Toy Theory

Interestingly, some fans believe the twist was subtly set up earlier in the film. An early scene shows Spike packing a Power Rangers toy with plans to give it to his younger sibling. That simple moment may have foreshadowed the ending, which could be seen as either a hallucination, a metaphor, or a commentary on youthful hope amid chaos.

Danny Boyle’s Take: Evil in Disguise

Director Danny Boyle has weighed in on the controversy. In a recent interview with The Independent, he explained, “The ending is about reintroducing evil into what has been a compassionate environment.” According to Boyle, each entry in the trilogy tackles a different thematic layer—and 28 Years Later focuses on the evolving nature of evil, even when it arrives in unexpected forms or flashy disguises.

Boyle’s explanation suggests that the Power Rangers-style squad isn’t simply a quirky aesthetic choice but a narrative device exploring how moral ambiguity can be cloaked in optimism and color.

What’s Next: 28 Years Later – The Bone Temple

Despite the divisive ending, buzz around the trilogy finale, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, is growing. Scheduled for release on January 16, 2026, the upcoming film promises to delve even deeper into the post-apocalyptic mythology, possibly expanding on the mystery surrounding Sir Jimmy Crystal and his strange crew of warriors.

Whether the final scene of 28 Years Later was a tonal misstep or a bold artistic statement, it’s clear that it has everyone talking—and that’s exactly what a modern horror-thriller aims to do.

About Post Author

Catherine Robert

Catherine Roberts is a seasoned news editor and writer at TheNewsTimes.co.uk, bringing her extensive expertise to the forefront of journalism. With a passion for storytelling, she has been engaging audiences through her insightful blog for the past five years, covering a wide range of topics with clarity and depth.

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