The Alpha Zombie Roars: Chi Lewis-Parry on Playing Samson in ‘28 Years Later,’ Wearing Massive Prosthetics, and a Spine-Chilling On-Set Injury

The Alpha Zombie Roars: Chi Lewis-Parry on Playing Samson in ‘28 Years Later,’ Wearing Massive Prosthetics, and a Spine-Chilling On-Set Injury

Danny Boyle’s iconic vision of the infected returns in full force with 28 Years Later, and with it comes a terrifying new breed of monster. But this time, it’s not just any infected — it’s the Alphas, monstrous evolutions of the rage virus that push the horror to a whole new level.

28 Years Later marks a triumphant return for Boyle and co-writer Alex Garland, nearly 25 years after redefining the zombie genre with 28 Days Later. Their latest installment has received critical acclaim, praised for its haunting atmosphere, intense pacing, and brutal evolution of the franchise's lore. One of the standout elements? The introduction of the Alphas — towering, muscle-bound berserkers mutated by decades of viral rage.

These Alpha infected aren't just faster and stronger — they're horrifyingly aggressive. Designed to reflect what the virus might look like after decades of mutation, the Alphas are steroidal nightmares. Their trademark attack? Ripping off human heads with the spine still attached, then using them as weapons — swinging them like flails in a gruesome display of dominance.

Leading the charge as the most fearsome Alpha is Samson, played by Chi Lewis-Parry, a former MMA fighter turned actor. Bringing Samson to life required not only intense physical performance but also the endurance to wear massive prosthetic pieces that transformed Lewis-Parry into something almost mythic. The actor described the transformation process as both physically demanding and creatively fulfilling.

Despite the heavy prosthetics and brutal action sequences, the production was not without its real dangers. Lewis-Parry revealed he suffered a serious injury during a high-speed train sequence — a moment that added even more realism to the character’s menacing presence on screen. His dedication to the role, even while injured, reflects the commitment that has made 28 Years Later a standout sequel in modern horror cinema.

The return of Boyle’s infected world is not just a nostalgic reboot — it's a radical expansion of the virus mythos. With terrifying new creatures, gritty visuals, and a raw physicality brought by actors like Chi Lewis-Parry, 28 Years Later proves that the rage is far from over.