Actor Ralph Fiennes shares his perspective on the power of hope and human spirit in the highly anticipated film, explored in this exclusive Ralph Fiennes Bone Temple interview. With The Bone Temple hitting theaters January 16 through Sony, anticipation builds for the trilogy’s final installment set in post-apocalyptic Britain.
A New Chapter in the 28 Years Later Saga
As excitement mounts following the dramatic ending of Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later and the recent announcement of the trilogy’s conclusion, The Bone Temple brings audiences into a world still reeling from the effects of the Rage Virus. In Nia DaCosta’s compelling take on the zombie horror genre, survivors face daily challenges in a desolate Britain nearly thirty years after catastrophe struck. Among the survivors, Dr. Kelson—portrayed by Oscar-nominated actor Ralph Fiennes—stands out as a reserved yet compassionate figure.
Dr. Kelson’s journey is intricately tied to Samson, a fearsome Alpha Infected brought to life by MMA fighter-turned-actor Chi Lewis-Parry. Their unlikely partnership becomes the emotional core of the film, as they navigate a landscape haunted by loss, violence, and a search for redemption. Both actors recently joined FANGORIA for an in-depth conversation about their experiences, the movie’s themes, and what they hope audiences will take away.
On-Screen Chemistry: Building Trust and Empathy
When asked about the unique bond their characters share, both Fiennes and Lewis-Parry reflected on their dynamic during production. Fiennes explained that the trust and rapport needed for such a relationship were developed naturally on set, fueled by each actor’s readiness and energy. Their initial scene—where Dr. Kelson tends to Samson’s wounds—set the stage for the authentic connection depicted throughout the film.
Chi Lewis-Parry emphasized the importance of mutual understanding in their performances, noting how they adapted to each other’s rhythms and the story’s requirements. Their collaboration, both in character and in real life, underscores the film’s exploration of leadership, vulnerability, and empathy amid chaos.
Redemption and Humanity Amid Desolation
The narrative of The Bone Temple hinges on more than survival; it probes what it means to retain one’s humanity in the face of relentless adversity. The connection between Dr. Kelson and Samson symbolizes a refusal to surrender hope, even when the world seems irredeemable. Lewis-Parry spoke passionately about the opportunity for redemption that their characters discover:
You know what? My ethics as a doctor, as a human being, sees something in you, sees beyond your rage.
—Chi Lewis-Parry, Actor
Their evolving dynamic challenges the notion of the Infected as irredeemable monsters, reinforcing the film’s central question: can compassion prevail when society has abandoned its most vulnerable? The message, according to Lewis-Parry, resonates strongly in contemporary discussions about empathy, isolation, and the ways we treat one another.
Directorial Vision: Contrasts Between DaCosta and Boyle
The Bone Temple was uniquely produced back-to-back with its predecessor, 28 Years Later, but under two very different directorial leaders. Fiennes offered insights into the contrasting approaches of Nia DaCosta and Danny Boyle. He described DaCosta’s method as deliberate and detail-oriented, allowing actors space to discover subtle emotional truths through repeated takes and close-up focus work.
By comparison, Danny Boyle’s style relies on instinct and momentum, seeking out the right moment quickly and efficiently. Fiennes noted the propulsive energy on Boyle’s sets, often working with cinematographer Anthony Dodd Mantle’s unpredictable camera placements to help actors remain genuinely present in their performances. This duality of method contributed to the nuanced storytelling that fans can expect in The Bone Temple.
Personal Growth Through Character
Reflecting on their transformations, both actors recognized how elements of their characters echoed their own personalities. Lewis-Parry observed that immersing themselves in the roles required drawing from personal experiences and vulnerabilities. He spoke admiringly of Fiennes’ willingness to risk emotional openness, even in a harsh fictional world, and addressed how portraying vulnerability remains a challenge for many today, especially in turbulent settings like The Bone Temple’s Britain.
Their journey highlights the importance of courage and moral conviction, even when faced with exploitation or danger. By channeling aspects of themselves into Dr. Kelson and Samson, Fiennes and Lewis-Parry brought depth and realism to a fantastical narrative, giving audiences an opportunity to reflect on their own values and choices.
What Lies Ahead for The Bone Temple
With the release of The Bone Temple on January 16, audiences are poised to experience the trilogy’s conclusion with new insights into hope and humanity. The film, produced by Sony Pictures and currently featured in the pages of FANGORIA, redefines the genre’s expectations while examining profound questions about redemption, connection, and survival. Both the creative team and the actors hope viewers come away not only entertained by the post-apocalyptic thrills, but also moved to consider the roles of compassion and ethics in their own lives.
For more about the making of The Bone Temple, including perspectives from director Nia DaCosta and returning cast such as Jack O’Connell as the infamous Jimmy Crystal, fans can explore the latest coverage in FANGORIA magazine. As Ralph Fiennes, Chi Lewis-Parry, and the rest of the cast breathe life into their characters, the story’s lasting impact is sure to be felt well after the credits roll.
