Rising Welsh actor Sam Locke has opened up about the grim reality of portraying a member of a Jimmy Savile-inspired cult in the highly anticipated dystopian horror sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. The 24-year-old from Merthyr Tydfil, just two years out of university, stars alongside Hollywood heavyweights including Ralph Fiennes and Cillian Murphy in the dark follow-up, set for UK release on 14 January.
From Valleys Boy to Hollywood's Dark Underbelly
Speaking exclusively while battling a winter cold, Locke conveyed palpable excitement for his second major film role. He plays Jimmy Fox, part of the unsettling cult led by Jimmy Crystal, portrayed by Jack O'Connell, in the sequel to 28 Years Later. The film sees protagonist Spike thrust into the violent world of this sinister group.
"My character’s not only navigating being part of this cult, but he also has a vendetta," Locke revealed, careful not to divulge too much. He described the role as intensely eccentric, promising audiences will have a complex reaction to the seven 'Jimmys' in the cult. The actor confirmed director Nia DaCosta has significantly amplified the gore, taking the trilogy back to a "pretty dark, disturbing place" compared to the more hopeful tone of the previous instalment.
No Need for Nerves: Working with A-Listers
Despite sharing the screen with icons like Ralph Fiennes and Cillian Murphy—though their scenes didn't overlap—Locke said he felt no need to be starstruck. "Working with those stars proved to me that I deserved to be there," he stated, explaining the experience boosted his confidence and made him step up his game.
A standout moment came from bonding with co-star Jack O'Connell over pints and football in a Newcastle pub. "It was just so… normal. It almost took me aback," Locke recalled. O'Connell also offered crucial advice, encouraging the young actor to "have fun with it" and inject more spontaneity into his performance, a lesson Locke says unlocked a new approach to his work.
Breaking the Mold and Staying Grounded
Reflecting on his rapid rise since graduating in 2023, Locke described it as a whirlwind, crediting a strong work ethic. He spoke candidly about overcoming the "small-town mentality" he experienced growing up in Wales, where pursuing drama sometimes led to being picked on. "I broke that mould and decided to pursue my dreams, regardless of what people said," he affirmed.
He reserves immense gratitude for his supportive family and friends in Wales, who have kept him grounded. "They have kept secrets when I needed them to, they have picked me up from the floor when they needed to," he said. Outside of acting, Locke is a self-professed nature lover and "inconsistent skateboarder."
To celebrate the film's release, Locke plans to attend the premiere with his partner and is considering a friends-and-family screening at his local cinema. For him, it's a celebration of a Welsh voice in a huge project. With 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple marking his biggest big-screen role to date, Sam Locke insists he's only just getting started.
