Welsh actor Sam Locke is starring with the likes of Ralph Fiennes, Cillian Murphy, and Jack O’Connell in the upcoming thriller 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple but the newcomer, just two years out of university, tells us why there was “no need to be starstruck” working with massive A-listers
Although he’s battling a winter cold and clutching a huge mug of Lemsip when we speak, Sam Locke manages to muster all the excitement you’d expect from a young actor starring in his second Hollywood movie just two years after graduating from university.
The emerging star is a proud Valleys boy from Merthyr Tydfil, who brings grit, heart and that unmistakable lilt to his role as Jimmy Fox in the upcoming dystopian horror film 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.
In the dark follow-up to 28 Years Later, viewers will see the protagonist Spike forced into the violent world of a Jimmy Savile-inspired cult, led by unsettling cult leader Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell).
Sam, 24, who has previously starred in BBC’s The Way and sci-fi series Itopia, plays one of the “Jimmys” in the cult. It’s his biggest big-screen role to date, but as he tells new, he’s only just getting started…
Hi, Sam! How was it working with so many A-listers on the new film?
Oh I know! Ralph Fiennes, Cillian Murphy – though sadly our scenes didn’t cross. Plus Jack O’Connell and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
It was phenomenal. Working with those stars proved to me that I deserved to be there. I stepped up my game and it gave me real confidence. It was brilliant working with them, and getting to know them off set.
Can you tell us about your character?
I play Jimmy Fox, one of Jimmy Crystal’s gang. My role in the first film 28 Years Later was pretty minor, but it definitely steps up a notch in the new movie. My character’s not only navigating being part of this cult, but he also has a vendetta – I can’t say more than that. He’s very eccentric and it’s such an intense role. Not just my Jimmy, all seven Jimmys. I think viewers will love us for one reason, but hate us for another.
It’s also quite gory, isn’t it?
Yes, director Nia [DaCosta] really steps it up on the gore. It enters a realm that’s a lot darker than the previous film – and I think it’s what audiences perhaps wanted the previous one to be. There was a lot of optimism and hope in it. This one brings the trilogy back to a pretty dark, disturbing place again.
You did a lot of stunts in the previous film, didn’t you?
Yes, Danny Boyle’s movie was a lot more physical and high-octane than Nia’s. We did a week of stunt training, which also allowed us to bond as a tight-knit group. I keep myself in good nick, but it’s not every day you throw yourself off 10ft pieces of scaffolding onto mats below! On day four, I hurt my knee and couldn’t do any more the rest of the day – I was gutted I couldn’t play any more.
Any standout behind-the-scenes moments this time round?
Probably having pints with Jack O’Connell. The hotel we were staying in, in Newcastle, was literally 100 yards from the local pub. Liverpool were playing [Sam is an avid Liverpool fan], so I went to see the match and Jack joined me, and it was just so… normal. It almost took me aback. It made me realise there was no need to be starstruck.
Jack’s a huge star now. Did he give you any advice?
He encouraged me just to have fun with it. Despite the pretty horrible nature of our characters, to find the beauty and fun of it. I remember I’d done about four takes of one particular scene, all quite similar. Jack came up to me before the fifth and said, “You’ve given them four of what they want – start playing around a bit more.” That unlocked a spontaneity in my work, I think, from that day on.
You only graduated in 2023 but you’ve done so much already…
I know, it’s been a whirlwind since I graduated. I put so much work into my uni course, a proper workaholic, and that hasn’t stopped. I don’t take it for granted. 2024 was crazy, but 2025 was a bit more slower on paper. I did a few projects very close to my heart, but it’s been a year of building for 2026. There are some exciting things in the mix.
What was it like, dreaming of acting as a little boy in Wales?
Growing up in Wales was idyllic – it’s a very underrated country and I’ll always fly the flag for it. But one thing I broke free of, I’d say, is that you can be oppressed by that small-town mentality. Studying drama at school, I’d get picked on, shot down when I mentioned it. There were historically industries you went into and that’s it. But I broke that mould and decided to pursue my dreams, regardless of what people said.
Your friends and family must be so proud of you…
Oh, so proud! As I say, there’s that small-town mentality to contend with but my parents, my nan, they have always been so supportive of me following my dreams. A lot of people have parents who aren’t. My friends and family have been pillars of support. They have kept secrets when I needed them to, they have picked me up from the floor when they needed to – they mean the world to me and they keep me grounded.
What are your big passions outside of acting?
I’m a big nature lover and a very inconsistent skateboarder. I wish I had the get-up- and-go to skate a lot more than I do, but I’m not too bad on the board. I’m an outdoorsy person, so any time I can, I’m outside for a hike with my mates.I beat myself up when I have a lazy day, which I shouldn’t do.
Will you be having a big viewing party when the film comes out?
I’ll take my partner to the premiere, but we’re talking about hosting a friends and family screening in our local cinema. Ultimately, it’s a celebration not only for me, but of a Welsh voice in a huge project. It’ll be a big party, either way.
Source: Mirror
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