Sam Locke (actor)

Sam Locke is a Welsh actor, best known for his feature film debut in Danny Boyle's 2025 horror sequel 28 Years Later. A graduate of De Montfort University, he previously appeared in the BBC drama The Way and the sci-fi series Itopia. His performance in 28 Years Later has been highlighted by several entertainment outlets as a breakthrough role.

Sam Locke
Locke in 2025
Born	Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
Occupation	Actor
Years active	2022–present
Known for	28 Years Later
Notable work	The Way, Itopia, 28 Years Later

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, while unnamed at the time of publication, is part of a new group of survivors introduced in the storyline.^[8]

Locke spoke to WalesOnline in June 2025 about his casting in 28 Years Later, noting the physically demanding nature of the shoot and his long-standing interest in acting, which began during his school years in Merthyr Tydfil.^[9]

Filmography

Film

• 28 Years Later (2025)

Television

• The Way (2024)
• Itopia (2023)