In the world of horror cinema, few films have left as indelible a mark as Danny Boyle and Alex Garland's 2002 classic 28 Days Later. Over two decades later, the franchise roars back to life with 28 Years Later, a sequel that not only honors the original's raw terror but amplifies it to new, bone-chilling heights. Central to this revival is the Alpha Infected, a monstrous figure named Samson, brought to life by the towering 6-foot-8-inch actor and former MMA fighter Chi Lewis-Parry.
Lewis-Parry’s portrayal of Samson is nothing short of commanding. Described by the actor himself as the “King of the Infected,” Samson dominates the quarantined wasteland with a terrifying presence. The Alphas, massive berserker variants of the infected, have evolved over the nearly 30 years since the rage virus outbreak, their rage enhanced to a steroid-like intensity. Their signature, gruesome move? Ripping off human heads with the spine still attached and swinging them around like a flails—an image that has both horrified and fascinated audiences.
In an interview with Variety, Lewis-Parry revealed that stepping into Samson’s monstrous shoes was physically punishing, even more so than his entire undefeated MMA career. “That scene in the train gave me more bruises than my fighting career,” he confessed, referring to a brutal sequence where Samson barrels through a broken-down train, throwing himself against walls and seats while facing off against one of the film’s protagonists, Spike. The scene demanded a level of physicality that tested the actor’s limits, pushing him to throw himself at every wall with reckless abandon.
Interestingly, Lewis-Parry came into the role in lean shape, expecting to rely on his natural athleticism. Yet director Danny Boyle wanted the muscle to appear incidental, not as if the actor had been working out specifically for the part. “I was bigger than I am now,” Lewis-Parry said, underscoring the unique physical demands of portraying such a primal and terrifying creature.
Before his acting career took off, Lewis-Parry had an impressive run as a professional mixed martial artist. Starting as an amateur in 2009 and turning pro by 2012, he amassed a record of nine wins, zero losses, and two draws. His victories were often decisive, with seven by knockout or technical knockout and two by submission. One of the highlights of his fighting career was a first-round stoppage against former UFC fighter Fabio Maldonado at UAE Warriors 13 in 2019, solidifying his reputation as a formidable force in the cage.
However, Lewis-Parry’s MMA career came to an abrupt halt in 2020 when the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) handed him a four-year suspension after testing positive for banned anabolic substances, including drostanolone and stanozolol metabolites. The situation was compounded when it was revealed that he had submitted a falsified supplement sample during his defense, claiming a tainted product caused the positive test—an argument that did not hold up. This suspension was a significant blow, sidelining him during his prime years. Yet, with 28 Years Later, Lewis-Parry has channeled his fighting spirit into a new arena, rebuilding his reputation as a rising actor.
The film itself has made waves not only for its intense horror and gripping storyline but also for its bold visual choices, particularly the nudity of the infected. The Alphas, including Samson, are depicted mostly naked, their clothes having disintegrated over the years. This led to a notable and somewhat humorous point of discussion among audiences and critics alike: Samson sports a large prosthetic penis, a detail that has sparked both fascination and amusement on social media platforms.
Lewis-Parry addressed this head-on in his Variety interview, clarifying that the prosthetic was legally required due to the presence of the film’s young star, Alfie Williams, who was only 13 during filming. British child protection laws mandate that any nudity involving minors must use prosthetics rather than real genitalia. Director Danny Boyle confirmed this, explaining that the intimate scenes with the young actor necessitated photo-realistic prosthetics to comply with the Child Sex Offenses Act. This legal safeguard ensured the protection of the child actor while allowing the film to maintain its stark visual authenticity.
Behind the scenes, Lewis-Parry shared anecdotes about the physical toll the role took on him, including a “flesh wound” he incurred during a scene filmed in a dark reservoir tunnel. Running fast and caught by a prop rifle on his leg, he ended up with a scar he proudly considers a “nice bit of memorabilia.” Such stories highlight the physical commitment required to bring the Alpha Infected to life—commitment that rivals even the most punishing fights in the MMA cage.
Lewis-Parry’s transition from fighter to actor has been marked by a steady climb. His first acting gig was with Danny Boyle on the TV series Pistol, where he played Glenn Allison, the personal security of the Sex Pistols during their U.S. tour. This early collaboration with Boyle paved the way for his casting in 28 Years Later, where Boyle’s singular direction was simply “Terrify me.” Lewis-Parry rose to the challenge, creating the iconic “Samson bellow” that left the director both impressed and terrified.
Beyond 28 Years Later, Lewis-Parry has continued to build his filmography, recently starring as Phoebus in Gladiator 2, where his character meets a dramatic end via a rhino horn. He is also set to appear in Edgar Wright’s upcoming film The Running Man, indicating a promising acting trajectory that balances physical roles with complex characters.
Fans and critics alike have been captivated by the film’s audacity, with some social media reactions humorously fixated on the Alpha Infected’s imposing prosthetic anatomy. Yet, this bold choice underscores the filmmakers’ commitment to authenticity and shock value, ensuring that 28 Years Later stands out in the crowded horror genre. The film has already secured second place at the box office, signaling strong audience engagement and anticipation for what’s next.
As for Lewis-Parry, the role of Samson seems to have left an indelible mark. He describes the character as feeling “real,” imagining the Alpha lurking somewhere out there, a testament to the power of storytelling and physical performance to breathe life into even the most monstrous creations. With 28 Years Later currently running in U.S. theaters, audiences can witness firsthand the terrifying return of the infected—and the unforgettable presence of their king, Samson.
