Ralph Fiennes is no stranger to commanding roles, but in 28 Years Later, the Oscar-nominated actor brings something hauntingly spiritual to the table. Opening in Philippine cinemas this June 18, this long-awaited follow-up to the post-apocalyptic 28 Days Later saga reintroduces a virus-ravaged world—and Fiennes is right at the heart of it.

“Above All, He’s a Survivor”

Speaking about his new character, Fiennes says Dr. Ian Kelson is “above all, a survivor.” In the film, Kelson clings to a unique mantra—memento mori, or “remember death”—as a way of facing a brutal new reality. “He’s accepted the fact of death – that it’s so present,” Fiennes says. “Rather than run away from it, pretend death doesn’t exist, or live in fear of it, Kelson is honoring death and the dead. In a way, he’s a rather clergy-like figure and a humanist.”

It’s a perspective that’s both eerie and deeply human, perfectly in line with the franchise’s themes of survival, morality, and the thin line between hope and despair.

A Changed World 28 Years Later

Set nearly three decades after the original outbreak, 28 Years Later picks up in a UK left devastated by the rage virus. Most of the country has been laid to waste, but a group of survivors manages to carve out a fragile sanctuary on an isolated island. Their only protection? A causeway that floods for most of the day, keeping the infected at bay—but only just.

It’s in this desperate landscape that Dr. Kelson emerges—a mysterious figure whose appearance is as unforgettable as his ideology.

Watch the Trailer Here:

The Striking Look of a Survivor

To fully inhabit Kelson, Fiennes worked hand-in-hand with production designer Carson McColl and costume designer Gareth Pugh to create a visually impactful first impression. “We had wonderful conversations about Kelson and his world and clothes,” Fiennes recounts. “One of Kelson’s defining traits is that he covers himself in iodine, which is a prophylactic against the rage virus. So, Kelson is covered in reddish-orange iodine, and then we made the decision to have his head shaven, which we thought was a strong look.”

The transformation didn’t stop there. Makeup supervisor Flora Moody helped bring the gritty reality of Kelson’s world to life. “Flora considered what do people look like if they no longer have access to shampoo and makeup,” Fiennes continues. “We all wanted the iodine-shielded figure to look arresting and startling,” Fiennes continues.

And it works—Dr. Kelson is as visually unforgettable as he is philosophically intriguing.

Don’t Miss the Return of the Rage Virus

Directed by Danny Boyle and featuring a cast that includes new and familiar faces – Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Alfie Williams and Jack O’Connell,. 28 Years Later promises intense thrills, emotional depth, and a chilling look at what it means to survive. Fans of the original film and newcomers alike won’t want to miss this terrifying new chapter.

Catch 28 Years Later in Philippine cinemas starting June 18, distributed by Columbia Pictures, the local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Join the conversation using #28YearsLater and tag @columbiapicph to share your thoughts and reactions.