Director Confirms Alpha Zombie Samson’s Return in ’28 Years Later’ Sequel

by Annika June 25, 2025

Spoilers ahead for 28 Years Later. The film introduced us to an ensemble of memorable characters, including Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), Spike (Alfie Williams), and Jimmy (Jack O’Connell). However, it was The Alpha Zombie Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry) who captured the Internet by storm during the film’s opening weekend. Director Danny Boyle confirmed that there would be more of Samson in the sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.

Director Confirms Alpha Zombie Samson’s Return in ’28 Years Later’ Sequel

– The character Samson, AKA The Alpha Zombie played by Chi Lewis-Parry, was a hit during the film “28 Years Later’s” opening weekend, and will make a return in the sequel “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.”
– The sequel and the original movie were shot back-to-back, with Danny Boyle directing the first and Nia DaCosta the second, and they are now preparing for its January launch.
– Sony film boss, Tom Rothman, is hopeful for a third installment which is currently being developed by Boyle and Alex Garland, writer of 28 Days Later.

In 28 Years Later, a variety of captivating characters were introduced, including the introverted Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), young adventurer Spike (Alfie Williams), and the intriguing cult leader Jimmy (Jack O’Connell), who makes his entrance at the climax of the story.

However, the character of Samson also known as The Alpha Zombie, played by Chi Lewis-Parry stole the limelight with his colossal size, his tendency to disconnect human heads from their bodies, and an unexpected prosthetic private part. This character’s unexpected fame spread during the movie’s impressive $30 million debut weekend.

Director Danny Boyle disclosed to The Hollywood Reporter that there is more to see of Samson in the sequel, titled 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. He revealed, “The character you saw at the end of the first film, Jack O’Connell, he’s a major character in the second film, alongside Ralph Fiennes and the giant Samson.”

Sony filmed 28 Years Later and its sequel consecutively, with Boyle helming the initial installment and Candyman director Nia DaCosta taking command for the subsequent film. Sony film overlord Tom Rothman revealed his enthusiasm for both movies and his anticipation for a third installment that Boyle and his 28 Days Later collaborator Alex Garland are currently working on.

Rothman explained his perspective, emphasizing, “I don’t really consider this a zombie film. I see it as an emotional drama set in a harsh reality.” As for the sequel, he hinted more at themes of humanity’s cruelty.

At the moment, Sony’s attention is primarily focused on the ongoing theatre run of 28 Years Later, which has globally amassed $60 million, and is readying for the January premiere of Bone Temple. Besides, Spike will be reprising his role, with Cillian Murphy, star of 28 Days Later, making a cameo.

Filmmaker DaCosta, who had previously ventured into franchise territory with Marvel Studios’ The Marvels, was candid about the fact that it wasn’t truly her film. However, according to Boyle and Garland, Bone Temple enabled her to truly shape her own film.

Boyle recalls DaCosta’s determination, saying, “I remember her saying, ‘I’m not going to make a Danny Boyle movie.’ She was resolute about that. And she hasn’t. She’s taken the reins and created a powerful film of her own. Having learnt from her past experiences, she knows her craft now and exactly how she wants to steer it.”

Having transitioned from a scriptwriter to a director of successful films like Ex Machina and Civil War, Garland had learnt the art of non-interference while producing the 28 Years Later series, since he would dislike someone instructing him on his own projects.

On his script contribution, Garland revealed, “I gave them the script, they said, ‘Yes, I want to make this film.’ After that, my involvement was negligible. After a few days of technical rehearsals, once the film had begun principal photography, I wasn’t present.”

As for future installments, Boyle has been vocal about his desire for a third film, although it is yet to be officially approved. However, Rothman remains optimistic, expressing, “I don’t want to jinx it. But with the glowing reviews and outstanding global start so far, we hope that it will be realized.”