Actor Chi Lewis-Parry discusses adding emotional layers to his Alpha zombie character Samson in Nia DaCosta's '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,' the quick sequel to last year's franchise revival. He highlights an improvised dancing scene with Ralph Fiennes and the challenges of wearing extensive prosthetics. The film arrives in cinemas on January 16.
In '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,' directed by Nia DaCosta, Samson—the hulking, mutated Alpha zombie played by 6-foot-8 former MMA fighter Chi Lewis-Parry—evolves from the ferocious 'King of the Infected' in the prior film. There, Samson was defined by Rage virus-driven violence, such as ripping off heads with spines attached and using them as flails. This sequel introduces a bromance with Ralph Fiennes' Dr. Ian Kelson, a blood-and-iodine-smeared skull collector who injects Samson with large doses of morphine, leading to scenes of quiet contemplation.
A standout moment occurs atop an English hill amid woods and danger, where Fiennes' character sings Duran Duran's 'Rio' while dancing hand-in-hand with the entirely nude Samson. Lewis-Parry, 42, describes the improvisation: 'There was a take where he just took my hand and was looking at me and was like, “Come on then,” and I just went with it.' He calls it 'the most fun I’ve had naked,' crediting their rapport after shooting both films back-to-back.
Lewis-Parry appreciates the role's depth: 'I’ve always been very physical, but I just never really had the chance to do something with such depth. I knew there was a huge responsibility, but it was also a massive opportunity.' Acting alongside Fiennes challenged him: 'You’re sitting there and you don’t have much to say, and Ralph Fiennes is there Ralph Fiennes-ing... I need to step up!' He hopes audiences focus on the relationship: 'I’m excited to see how people respond to that relationship, because it’s not something you would typically expect from these movies.'
Samson's nudity, featuring a prominent prosthetic manhood, drew online attention in the first film. Lewis-Parry acknowledges it but prioritizes the craft: 'I don’t want Samson’s prosthetic to steal any of the shine.' The full prosthetic suit, with added veins for detail in close-ups, required seven people and six to eight hours to apply, starting at 2 a.m. for 10-hour days in the North of England. Full-body applications happened over 25 times, each suit one-use only; waist-up scenes were preferable in the cold.
New elements include Jack O’Connell as a sadistic cult leader. Sony has greenlit a third film, scripted by Alex Garland with Cillian Murphy reportedly starring, though Lewis-Parry's return is uncertain: 'As much as you want to know, I want to know!' He values the character's reception: 'I really wanted him to be well received, so I’m elated that he is.'
