Ralph Fiennes offers new insight into his Dr. Kelson role for the upcoming sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, debuting in January 2026. Speaking candidly as he prepares to return as the enigmatic doctor, Fiennes addressed questions about Kelson’s mental stability and purpose in a world ravaged by the apocalypse.
The acclaimed actor, renowned for his roles in Harry Potter and numerous dramatic films, shared his perspective during an interview with the horror outlet Bloody Disgusting. He described Dr. Kelson as a compassionate physician—someone with “no agenda”—who manages to maintain a sense of clarity even as society collapses. Reflecting on his unique character, Fiennes explained that Kelson’s empathy and strength stem from his work honoring the dead, a duty that blends the skills of a doctor and a mortician.
He hasn’t gone mad. Some people would’ve gone violent, or gone mad, or committed suicide, he’s got some strong interior.
Fiennes stressed that despite overwhelming odds, Kelson’s psychological resilience is evident through the preservation of his few remaining possessions, such as books and music, which help him hold onto reason. This drive to keep a rational outlook, even in extreme isolation and danger, sets Kelson apart from others who have lost themselves to the horrors of this new world.
New Depths in Kelson and Samson’s Storyline
The film’s narrative will further explore Kelson’s relationship with the infected Alpha known as Samson, portrayed by Chi Lewis-Parry. This dynamic promises to add complexity to the post-apocalyptic setting, as Samson’s struggle for humanity becomes a focal point.
Fiennes noted that Kelson’s underlying mission brings meaning to his existence, drawing comparisons to a “medieval figure” who navigates a society gripped by plague. His almost priest-like bearing and unwavering tenacity, Fiennes observed, stem from his ability to remain anchored through intellectual pursuits.
There are people, I think, with extraordinary psychological stamina, who will hold on, and keep by reading and listening to music, and just keep connected to a sense of the rational.
Chi Lewis-Parry, who brings Samson to life, hinted that Kelson’s compassion could be pivotal for his character’s survival and transformation. According to Lewis-Parry, Samson is searching for redemption and sees promise in Kelson’s kindness, suggesting that their relationship may be central to the sequel’s emotional stakes.
Kelson hasn’t given up on himself, and he’s been able to survive this long and maintain a level of intellectual competence with the reading and the music, but Samson is seeing an opportunity to survive beyond what he is, which is a grotesque monster.
Plot Developments and Returning Characters
Directed by Nia DaCosta, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple picks up the story shortly after its predecessor, following Spike, played by Alfie Williams. As Spike is drawn into Jimmy Crystal’s gang on the British mainland, new threats emerge, proving that the infected are far from the only danger lingering in this devastated landscape.
Dr. Kelson, portrayed by Fiennes, is set to make a discovery that could alter the fate of humanity. The film also marks the return of Cillian Murphy as Jim, reuniting him with series creators Alex Garland and Danny Boyle for the first time since the franchise began in 2002 with 28 Days Later. Other key cast members include Erin Kellyman as Jimmy Ink, Emma Laird as Jimmima, Maura Bird as Jimmy Jones, and Jack O’Connell as the formidable gang leader Jimmy Crystal.
Anticipation Builds for the Film’s Release
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple will premiere on January 14, 2026 in the United Kingdom and open in the United States on January 16. As fans of post-apocalyptic storytelling await its debut, the film promises to deliver intense psychological exploration through the evolving journey of Dr. Kelson and the tortured Alpha, Samson.
With Fiennes returning alongside a notable cast that includes Alfie Williams and Cillian Murphy, and under the guidance of director Nia DaCosta, the next installment seeks to expand the franchise’s legacy. The focus on psychological resilience, ethical dilemmas, and the enduring power of empathy is expected to resonate with audiences, deepening the mythos around Ralph Fiennes’ Dr. Kelson role and the broader narrative established by Garland and Boyle.
