ENTERTAINMENT
The Giant Zombie and the Actor Behind the Scenes
London, England, UKMon Jun 23 2025
The horror movie world is buzzing with excitement over the return of Danny Boyle's zombie franchise. This time, the focus is on a massive, terrifying zombie known as Samson. Samson is part of a new breed of zombies called Alphas, which have evolved to be even more brutal and fearsome than their predecessors. These Alphas have been around for nearly three decades, and their rage virus has made them even more dangerous. Samson, in particular, is known for his signature move of ripping off human heads and swinging them around like a flail.
Chi Lewis-Parry, a 6-foot-8-inch actor and former MMA fighter, brings Samson to life. Lewis-Parry is no stranger to the horror genre, having been a fan of John Carpenter's work since he was a kid. He describes his experience working on the film as an "absolute joy. " Lewis-Parry's first role was in Boyle's TV series "Pistol, " but his performance in "28 Years Later" has truly showcased his talent. Boyle was so impressed with Lewis-Parry's audition that he cast him as the leading Alpha and even had him voice another Alpha in the film.
Samson's on-screen presence is not the only thing that has caught the attention of critics and online commentators. With the infected now naked, Samson's prosthetic manhood has also generated headlines. Lewis-Parry has a unique perspective on the character, describing Samson as the "king of the infected. " He believes that Samson has a greater status among the other zombies, much like a lion among hyenas. Lewis-Parry's physicality and athleticism have also played a significant role in bringing Samson to life. He threw himself into every scene, even injuring himself during a particularly intense sequence.
Lewis-Parry's background in MMA has given him a unique advantage in his acting career. He has always been a fan of horror movies and has even created his own backstory for Samson. He imagines Samson as a hero who sacrificed himself to protect others, making him less of a monster in his mind. Lewis-Parry's dedication to his craft is evident in his performance as Samson, and it's clear that he has a bright future in the horror genre.
The film also features a young actor, Alfie Williams, who was only 13 when it was shot. To comply with child protection laws, the infected in the film are mostly naked but wear prosthetics. Lewis-Parry, known for his friendly and hugging nature, appreciates this approach. He also shares a special bond with his co-star Ralph Fiennes, whom he admires greatly. They often work out together, and Fiennes' dedication to fitness inspires Lewis-Parry.
Lewis-Parry's journey to acting has been an interesting one. He fought in MMA for about 12 years before transitioning to acting. His love for horror movies and his desire to be involved in film production led him to pursue acting full-time. He has since appeared in several films, including "Gladiator 2" and "The Running Man. " Lewis-Parry's dedication to his craft and his unique background make him a standout actor in the horror genre.
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questions
In what ways does the use of prosthetics for the infected characters in '28 Years Later' impact the audience's perception of the film's realism and horror elements?
If Samson the Alpha zombie had a dating profile, what would his bio say?
How does the portrayal of the Alpha zombies in '28 Years Later' compare to other zombie films in terms of their physical attributes and behavior?
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