The terrifying figure of Samson reappears in the latest horror film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, with a striking new look crafted by director Nia DaCosta. First introduced in Danny Boyle’s 2025 reboot, Samson—portrayed by Chi Lewis-Parry—served as a haunting antagonist, stalking characters such as Isla (Jodie Comer) and Spike (Alfie Williams), while interacting with Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes). This new installment picks up directly after the events of the previous movie, continuing the story while showcasing a refreshed design for the iconic character, reflecting the creative vision behind the Nia DaCosta Samson redesign.
The Evolution of Samson’s Character and Design Choices
Chi Lewis-Parry returns as Samson, continuing to play a crucial role as the group of survivors, including Jack O’Connell’s Jimmy and Alfie Williams’ Spike, navigate the treacherous aftermath of the Rage virus outbreak. While the story advances, Dr. Kelson works on building the Bone Temple, a key location frequently visited by Samson. These visits raise important questions about the possibility of a cure for the Rage virus, a theme that differs from the earlier focus on simply containing the infection.
In a detailed conversation with ScreenRant’s Liam Crowley, Nia DaCosta revealed that the new direction for Samson’s design was influenced partly by the movie’s script but mainly by her creative freedom. She explained that her approach to Samson was very different from the original, influenced by her unique directorial style and aesthetic preferences, leading to changes in both his appearance and performance.
“got to do whatever I wanted with him in my movie.” – Nia DaCosta, Director
DaCosta noted that she and franchise head Danny Boyle had distinctly different creative tastes and filmmaking styles, which meant that Samson’s initial design from the 2025 film would not have suited her vision for this sequel. This understanding sparked a complete reevaluation of Samson’s visual and physical portrayal.
“we have different tastes as directors,”
she acknowledged, explaining that these differences required tailoring Samson’s character to better fit her “visual language.”
The director elaborated on the specifics of the redesign, highlighting changes in prosthetics, makeup, physicality, and performance. This deliberate reworking was developed during pre-production to carefully balance the character’s importance and impact:
“The prosthetics change, the makeup changes, his physicality changes and performance. That was something we built in prep. That character was so important to me, and you have to thread the needle so carefully with him. I was really given free rein with Samson in the film.” – Nia DaCosta, Director
Key Differences in Samson’s New Look
In the original 28 Years Later, Samson appeared as a daunting, nearly feral figure completely nude, his flesh decayed and patches of dead skin visible across his body. His face was largely obscured by long, wild hair and a thick beard, with only his piercing red eyes and rotted teeth clearly seen. This haunting image made Samson a uniquely unsettling antagonist within the franchise.
However, in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, released images and trailers reveal significant alterations to Samson’s design. Unlike his previous naked form, this version of Samson wears a cloth wrapped around his waist and has a far more exposed face, making his expressions and emotions more visible. His eyes are also more intense, allowing actors and viewers to engage with the character on a deeper level. These changes signal a shift in Samson’s role and emphasize DaCosta’s fresh take on the figure’s presence and menace.
Samson’s Role in the Quest for a Cure
The updated portrayal of Samson holds greater narrative weight beyond appearance, as he appears to be linked to the potential discovery of a cure for the Rage virus. Earlier films in the series had focused primarily on the virus’s uncontrollable spread and the survivors’ desperate attempts to avoid infection. The introduction of a cure represents a major thematic shift for the franchise, raising the stakes for the characters and the story’s outcome.
This new development could also have significant repercussions for the franchise’s future. If Samson plays a pivotal role in ending the virus threat, it might pave the way for the final film in the planned 28 Years Later trilogy to serve as the conclusive chapter for the entire series.
Main Cast of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
The film features strong performances from its ensemble cast, continuing the narrative from the previous installment. Alfie Williams returns as Spike, a survivor struggling amid the chaos. Jack O’Connell reprises his role as Jimmy Crystal, a key figure in the survivor group. Ralph Fiennes continues his portrayal of Dr. Ian Kelson, the scientist searching for solutions to the epidemic. Aaron Taylor-Johnson also joins the cast as Jamie, further enriching the complex survivor dynamic.
The Continuing Legacy of the 28 Years Later Franchise
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple builds on the moody and unsettling atmosphere established in the original reboot, while introducing fresh elements to the story and characters. Nia DaCosta’s reimagining of Samson stands as a central symbol of this evolution, combining innovative makeup and performance choices to deliver a more nuanced and compelling antagonist.
As the franchise moves toward its conclusion, this installment raises intriguing possibilities about the end of the Rage virus saga. By potentially unlocking a cure through Samson’s character, the film could redefine the series’ legacy, providing closure to long-time fans and setting a new standard for horror storytelling within this world.
