In the ever-evolving landscape of cinematic horror, some characters stand out for their unforgettable impact. Chi Lewis-Parry, known for his portrayal of Samson in “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” returns with added depth and a surprising twist. His on-screen camaraderie with Ralph Fiennes brings unexpected humor and warmth, making this sequel a must-watch. Dive into Lewis-Parry’s insights on his character’s development and his memorable dance with Fiennes, which he fondly calls “the most fun I’ve had naked.”
There’s a scene in “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” Nia DaCosta’s sequel to the horror comeback “28 Years Later,” that is sure to elicit laughter from audiences.
On an English hillside, amid the potential dangers lurking in the woods, Ralph Fiennes’ character, Dr. Ian Kelson, is seen singing Duran Duran’s iconic ’80s hit “Rio” while dancing hand-in-hand with Samson, portrayed by the towering Chi Lewis-Parry. This bizarre yet hilarious moment marks a significant shift for the lead Alpha zombie.
While it may seem odd for a horror film, for those familiar with “28 Years Later,” this scene showcases the transformation of Samson—known initially as the terrifying “King of the Infected.” DaCosta’s film, hitting theaters on Jan. 16, introduces fresh characters and storylines, with the evolving friendship between Samson and Dr. Kelson as a main highlight.
“I’m excited to see how people respond to that relationship,” says Lewis-Parry. By filming both movies consecutively, he and Fiennes developed a true camaraderie. The 42-year-old actor finds “The Bone Temple” a chance to expand his acting skills, emphasizing contemplation over rage, largely influenced by the morphine Dr. Kelson administers.
Lewis-Parry reflects on the challenge of performing alongside a celebrated actor like Ralph Fiennes. “You’re sitting there…and Ralph Fiennes is there Ralph Fiennes-ing,” he shares, admitting to moments of losing himself in Fiennes’ performance.
Interestingly, the Duran Duran scene was an improvisation by Fiennes. “He just took my hand and I went with it,” says Lewis-Parry, pointing to the genuine connection they shared on set. It’s a scene he describes as “the most fun I’ve had naked.”
The nudity wasn’t just a gimmick; it was a key element of Samson’s character in “28 Years Later.” Initially, the character stirred comments online, but Lewis-Parry stresses the importance of the collective effort in the films’ success. Despite Samson’s prosthetic garnering attention, he hopes the focus shifts more to the filmmaking craft in “The Bone Temple.”
Creating Samson’s look was a labor-intensive process, with up to seven people spending hours fitting the full prosthetic suit on Lewis-Parry. The new film required more detailed work for close-up shots, though the overall scale of the prosthetics was somewhat reduced.
A third installment of the franchise is in the works, but Lewis-Parry remains unsure of Samson’s future in it. Regardless of the outcome, he expresses satisfaction in bringing such a compelling character to life, saying, “This is a character I have a relationship with — so I care about how he’s perceived.”
