Audiences flocking to theaters to watch 28 Years Later this past weekend were introduced to an intriguing “alpha” infected/zombie character named Samson, portrayed by the towering 6-foot-8-inch actor and former MMA fighter Chi Lewis-Parry. Viewers were captivated by the intense scene where Samson viciously removes a human head, spine and all, showcasing the film’s brutal nature. In a revealing interview with Variety, Lewis-Parry disclosed his involvement in the highly anticipated remake of The Running Man, originally starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. He expressed a keen ambition to join another franchise that began with a Schwarzenegger film, sharing his dream of stepping into the role of a Predator.
The Running Man is adapted from a gripping novel penned by Stephen King under his Richard Bachman alias. The narrative paints a chilling picture: Set in a dystopian America of 2025, where reality television has escalated to extreme heights, desperate individuals stake their lives for a chance at a billion-dollar prize. The protagonist, Ben Richards, finds himself in dire straits, motivated by the need for funds to heal his ailing daughter. His last hope lies in participating in a deadly game show called The Running Man, where the objective is to elude deadly Hunters bent on his demise. The challenge intensifies as the entire world watches, with others waiting to betray him for a reward. This new adaptation aims to align more closely with King’s original vision compared to the 1987 film. Directed by Edgar Wright and co-written with Michael Bacall, the remake boasts a talented cast including Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick) as the lead, alongside Katy O’Brian, Daniel Ezra, Josh Brolin, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, David Zayas, Colman Domingo, and William H. Macy.
During his conversation with Variety, Lewis-Parry shared, “I just worked on The Running Man with Edgar Wright. I’m one of the runners and he’s a very specific runner. I don’t know how much more I’m allowed to say. But it’s a really fun role.” His enthusiasm for the project reflects the excitement surrounding the remake.
Interestingly, Lewis-Parry previously shared an Instagram post hinting at his aspiration to play the iconic steel-toothed henchman Jaws in a future James Bond film. When asked if he had been actively pursuing a role in the next Bond adventure, Lewis-Parry responded, “Listen, if there is an ultimate role, it’s to be a Bond villain. My journey in film truly began in 2005, just before Martin Campbell’s Casino Royale reignited my passion for such characters. Back then, I pondered which two roles I desired most: I envisioned myself as a creature actor, aspiring to portray the Predator or a Bond villain. Holding the head and spine in 28 Years Later was a pivotal moment for me. I realized I had become my own version of the Predator. That revelation marked a turning point, motivating me to actively pursue these roles. I haven’t had formal discussions yet, but I’ve certainly made my interest known.“
As fans eagerly anticipate whether Chi Lewis-Parry will land the role of a Predator or a formidable James Bond antagonist, the remake of The Running Man is poised to hit theaters on November 7th, promising thrilling action and intense storytelling.
