Who is the 6ft 8in Alpha from 28 Years Later Haunting Your Dreams?

Unpacking the Terrifying Universe of 28 Years Later: An Interview with Chi Lewis-Parry

In the realm of post-apocalyptic cinema, few franchises have managed to capture the horror and desperation of a world ravaged by disease quite like the 28 Days Later series. Now, more than two decades since its inception, the highly anticipated sequel, 28 Years Later, reintroduces audiences to its chilling universe, bolstered by a new wave of terrifying characters and narratives. At the heart of this evolution is Chi Lewis-Parry, an actor and mixed martial artist who brings the formidable character of Samson to life. In this article, we delve into Lewis-Parry’s journey, the creative processes behind his character, and the thematic depth of this new installment.

The Evolution of the Infected

The first film, 28 Days Later, directed by Danny Boyle and penned by Alex Garland, revolutionized the zombie genre by introducing the concept of the Rage Virus, which transformed humans into aggressive, flesh-eating Infected. This new installment continues this narrative but adds layers to the horror. The primary antagonist, Samson, represents the apex of this evolution—a new breed of Infected known as the Alpha or Beserker.

Who is Samson?

Samson is not just a terrifying force; he embodies the transformation of humanity through rage and survival instincts. Lewis-Parry describes Samson as the “king of the Alphas,” a title that signifies not only his physical prowess but also his psychological complexity. “If you are an alpha in your everyday life, then you are an Alpha as the Infected,” he explains. “The traits and characteristics of the Infected didn’t necessarily change from when they were human, but they are fueled by rage, so control is lost.”

Behind the Audition: The Call to Terrify

When Lewis-Parry auditioned for the role, he received a rather unconventional directive from Boyle: “Terrify me.” Although initially perplexed by the instruction, Lewis-Parry embraced the challenge. “I didn’t really understand what that meant,” he recalls with a laugh. “But I’m guessing I terrified him good enough!” This initial impression set the tone for how he approached the character—striving to evoke genuine fear while infusing Samson with a depth that resonates with audiences.

Character Development: The Journey of Samson

In 28 Years Later, audiences witness a more developed character arc for Samson. Unlike typical horror movie villains, Lewis-Parry’s portrayal captures a sense of awareness and control over his rage. This nuance is particularly evident during a significant scene where Samson interacts with Isla, played by Jodie Comer, who helps a pregnant Infected give birth. The moment showcases Samson’s ability to be conscious of his surroundings, a departure from the mindless brutality often associated with Infected characters.

A Collaborative Creative Process

Much of this character development was a collaborative effort between Lewis-Parry and director Danny Boyle. “Danny just said, ‘I want to include something here that shows he is conscious, what do you think?’” Lewis-Parry recalls. This openness to improvisation is a hallmark of Boyle’s directing style, allowing actors to contribute creatively and develop their characters in real-time.

The Physicality of Fear

One of the most striking aspects of Lewis-Parry’s performance lies in his physicality. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, he naturally commands attention. However, it’s not just his size that makes him terrifying; it’s how he moves. He collaborated closely with movement coach Toby Sedgwick, who also played the Infected priest in the original 28 Days Later. “I wanted to explore how Samson could embody the infection while maintaining a sense of control,” he explains. This led Lewis-Parry to draw inspiration from iconic performances in horror cinema, studying legendary figures like Andy Serkis to understand the intention behind movement.

Intentional Movement

For Lewis-Parry, embodying Samson was about more than just physicality; it was about intention. “What was his intention when he was moving, when he was crawling, when he was standing or when he was breathing?” he reflects. This focus on intentional movement added layers to Samson’s character, making him not just a monstrous figure but a predatory force that feels omnipresent and unstoppable.

Thematic Depth: Exploring Humanity and Isolation

Beyond the thrills and chills, 28 Years Later delves into deeper themes of humanity, isolation, and survival. As the world grapples with the consequences of the Rage Virus, characters like Dr. Kelson, played by Ralph Fiennes, add complexity to the narrative. Kelson’s decision to sedate Samson instead of killing him raises questions about morality in a post-apocalyptic society. “A lot of people would be put off by a person like Dr. Kelson, but he’s a complicated man in a very dire situation,” Lewis-Parry notes.

The “Sweet Relationship” between Samson and Dr. Kelson

The evolving dynamics between the characters reveal a surprising layer of emotional depth. Lewis-Parry describes their relationship as “unexpectedly sweet,” suggesting that in a world stripped of humanity, there might still exist threads of connection and understanding. “In Samson, [Kelson] sees something that is probably more attractive than the humanity that’s left,” he explains. This perspective encourages viewers to reconsider what it means to be human in a world dominated by fear and violence.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Franchise

The conclusion of 28 Years Later leaves audiences eager for what’s next, especially with the sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, set to be released in January 2026. While Lewis-Parry is tight-lipped about specific plot details, he hints at the incredible direction the franchise is headed. “There’s a part two,” he reveals with a smile. “It’s different, it’s amazing.”

Conclusion: A New Era in Horror

As viewers gear up for the release of 28 Years Later, the film promises to redefine the horror landscape once again. With characters like Samson, audiences are invited to explore not just fear, but the underlying truths of humanity and survival. Chi Lewis-Parry’s portrayal of Samson showcases the potential for depth within horror, proving that monsters can be more than just terrifying—they can be complex beings reflecting the darkest corners of our society.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the premise of 28 Years Later?

28 Years Later is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the Rage Virus has ravaged humanity. The film follows a new generation of survivors as they navigate a society under quarantine, facing evolved variants of the Infected, including the formidable Alpha known as Samson.

Who plays the character Samson in 28 Years Later?

Chi Lewis-Parry plays the character of Samson, the king of the Alphas, in 28 Years Later. His portrayal adds depth and complexity to the character, moving beyond traditional horror tropes.

What themes are explored in 28 Years Later?

28 Years Later delves into themes of humanity, isolation, and survival. It examines how characters navigate morality in a world dominated by fear and violence, ultimately inviting viewers to reflect on the nature of humanity itself.

When is the sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, set to be released?

The sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, is scheduled for release on January 16, 2026, promising to continue the thrilling narrative established in the first film.

The world of horror is evolving, and so too are the narratives that accompany it. With Chi Lewis-Parry's electrifying performance and the creative genius of Danny Boyle, 28 Years Later is set to carve its place in cinematic history. What are your thoughts on the evolution of horror in film? Will you be watching 28 Years Later? #28YearsLater #HorrorFilm #ChiLewisParry