The return of Samson in28 Years Later: The Bone Templeisn’t what anyone expected. Chi Lewis-Parry, the imposing figure behind the ‘King of the Alphas,’ reveals a startling transformation, a complete reimagining of a character previously defined by brutal, instinctual violence. He didn’t simply reprise a role; he unearthed an entirely new being.
The previous film introduced Spike, alongside his parents, and terrifying new Infected variants – the Alphas and Slow Lows. Samson, at a towering 6’8”, instantly became iconic, a primal force capable of unimaginable brutality. He didn’t just threaten; he *delivered* fear, often with a gruesome display of strength.
But the shocking reveal of Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal and his unsettling cult at the end of28 Years Laterwas just a prelude to the unexpected turns awaiting audiences in the sequel. Director Nia DaCosta doesn’t shy away from the visceral, delivering a film saturated with blood, gore, and a profound shift in Samson’s character.
“I saw Samson as two completely different characters,” Lewis-Parry explains, “the same man, obviously, but his behavior is very different in this film.” He embraced the challenge of balancing the character’s imposing physicality with a newfound emotional depth, a chance to explore the layers beneath the terrifying exterior.
Lewis-Parry credits the guidance of DaCosta, Alex Garland, Danny Boyle, and particularly Ralph Fiennes, his co-star inThe Bone Temple, for helping him unlock this new dimension. “There was a lot that went into Samson that doesn’t get credit,” he acknowledges, recognizing the collaborative effort behind his largest role yet.
A seemingly small moment in the previous film – Samson’s unusual awareness of a pregnant Infected – hinted at this evolution. It wasn’t merely a pause in the carnage; it was a subtle clue, a seed planted for the complex relationship that blossoms inThe Bone Templebetween Samson and Dr. Ian Kelson, played by Fiennes, as Kelson attempts to forge a connection with the Alpha.
“I’d read the script, so I knew where we were going,” Lewis-Parry shares. “You shoot one way, then it’s edited, and that’s where it becomes what it is. But I knew what we were trying to achieve, and I’m really glad it’s been received so well.” He admits he hadn’t fully grasped the magnitude of Samson’s journey until seeing the finished film.
Lewis-Parry feels a deep connection to the character, admitting a part of himself remains within Samson. “I take the responsibility with both hands – and feet,” he says with a smile, eager to embrace the character’s expanded role and deliver for the fans.
One particularly memorable scene, a spontaneous dance between Samson and Kelson to Duran Duran’s “Rio,” perfectly encapsulates this unexpected dynamic. It wasn’t scripted; Fiennes simply extended a hand, and the moment unfolded organically. “It’s a very touching moment, a very fun memory,” Lewis-Parry recalls, surprised it even made the final cut.
He describes Samson’s connection with Kelson as a search for something missing – a father figure. Kelson’s willingness to see beyond the monster, to not eliminate Samson despite having the power to do so, is what draws the Alpha to him. It’s a bond built on a fragile trust, a surprising alliance in a world consumed by chaos.
The physical demands of the role were immense, requiring hours in prosthetics. But a scene featuring Lewis-Parry without the full costume offered a welcome respite, allowing him to transition in just 40 minutes instead of the usual eight. Samson’s body, “riddled with scars and porous potholes,” demanded a complex and time-consuming application process.
Beyond the iconic prosthetic, there were hidden details – foot pieces to protect against the harsh terrain, a testament to the physicality of the performance. But the scenes without prosthetics allowed Lewis-Parry to explore the character’s core, to find the man beneath the monster.
The return of Cillian Murphy, the original star of28 Days Later, adds another layer of excitement to the franchise. Lewis-Parry expresses his enthusiasm at the prospect of sharing the screen with Murphy in a future installment. “I mean, come on!” he laughs. “It would be an honor.”
28 Years Later: The Bone Templeis now in cinemas, promising a terrifying and unexpectedly moving continuation of the saga. It’s a film that challenges expectations, delves into the complexities of its characters, and leaves audiences eager to see what horrors – and perhaps even connections – await in the next chapter.
