Sam Locke (actor)
Sam Locke | |
|---|---|
Locke in 2025 | |
| Born | 12 April 2001 (age 24) Merthyr Tydfil, Wales |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2022–present |
| Notable work | Itopia, The Way, 28 Years Later, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple |
Sam Locke (born 12 April 2001) is a Welsh actor. He is best known for his feature film debut in Danny Boyle's 2025 horror sequel 28 Years Later and its 2026 follow-up 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. He previously appeared in the BBC drama The Way and the sci-fi series Itopia.
Early life and education
Locke was born in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales. He studied performing arts at Merthyr College and later at De Montfort University in Leicester, graduating in 2023.[1][2] He began acting in short films and student productions before being cast in professional television roles.[3]
Career
Locke's early television work includes the BBC One drama The Way, directed by Michael Sheen, and the series Itopia. He was also featured in the Welsh short film State of Love and Trust.[4]
In 2024, he recorded a self-tape audition assisted by his grandmother for a role in Danny Boyle's sequel 28 Years Later, which led to his casting in the film.[5][6][7] In an interview with SFX Magazine, Locke described his experience on the film as physically demanding, involving weeks of stunt training and high-intensity action scenes. He praised Boyle's direction and the collaborative atmosphere on set. His character in the film, named Jimmy Fox, was part of a new group of survivors led by Jack O'Connell's character Jimmy Crystal.[8][9] Locke spoke to WalesOnline in June 2025, noting the physically demanding nature of the shoot and his long-standing interest in acting, which began during his school years in Merthyr Tydfil.[10]
Following 28 Years Later, Locke reprised his role in the sequel 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, directed by Nia DaCosta. It was filmed back-to-back with the previous film, and released in January 2026.[11]
Filmography
Film
- 28 Years Later (2025)
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026)
Television
- Itopia (2023)
- The Way (2024)
References
- ^ "DMU student Sam Locke lands TV role in Michael Sheen drama". De Montfort University. 21 June 2023. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
- ^ "DMU student Sam Locke lands major TV role in new Michael Sheen drama". Leicester Mercury. 21 June 2023. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
- ^ Aitken, Catriona. "Meet the Welsh actor who landed role in Danny Boyle horror film". BBC News. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Welsh actor Sam Locke starring in major studio productions". South Wales Argus. 19 June 2025. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ Kermode, Jennie. "Dreaming big – Sam Locke on his passion for acting, representing Wales and 28 Years Later". Eye For Film. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "28 Years Later premiere in London". BBC News. 18 June 2025. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Merthyr actor Sam Locke lands role in Danny Boyle's 28 Years Later". South Wales Argus. 21 June 2025. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
- ^ Shepherd, Jack (July 2025). "28 Years Later's Sam Locke talks about Danny Boyle's secretive sequel". SFX Magazine. No. 393. p. 12. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
- ^ "28 Years Later actor Sam Locke reflects on role in hit franchise". BBC News. 2026-01-19. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
- ^ "Welsh star of 28 Years Later Sam Locke says 'dream come true' filming horror movie". WalesOnline. 21 June 2025. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
- ^ "28 Years Later's Sam Locke involved in new sequel The Bone Temple". Daily Mirror. 2025. Retrieved 12 January 2026.