Three young northern actors appear in the highly anticipated 28 Years Later, which has just opened in cinemas [19 June].
Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Danny Boyle, the film continues the iconic series that began with 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later, bringing a new chapter of post-apocalyptic terror to audiences everywhere.
The star-studded cast includes Jodie Comer (Killing Eve), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Bullet Train), and Ralph Fiennes (The Grand Budapest Hotel).
The rising talents, represented by Articulate Agency, are Rocco Haynes, 11, from Leeds, Harriet Taylor, 10, from Durham and Hayley Walters, 19, from Newcastle.
Rocco Haynes is the most experienced of the three. His breakout role was busking on the streets in the Co-op advert for Christmas in 2020 to Oasis' ‘Round Our Way’ with his older brother, Austin. The commercial went on to win several awards, including Best Casting Featuring Children at the Casting Directors Association Awards 2021, at BAFTA.
His first cast role was Billy Hardcastle in the acclaimed drama Gentleman Jack and since then he has appeared in a number of well-known TV productions, including The A Word, All Creatures Great and Small and Odd Squad.
His film roles include parts in the 2023 folk horror, Starve Acre, and the role of Mikey in the sports biopic on boxer Prince Naseem Hamed, Giant starring Amir El-Masry and Pierce Brosnan.
Rocco Haynes said: “When I found out I’d landed a role in 28 Years Later, I was so excited, I couldn’t believe it! I was lucky enough to spend a couple of months working on the film, staying in some absolutely stunning locations across Scotland and Northumberland.
“Danny [Boyle] was so kind on set, and both he and the Director of Photography, Anthony [Dod Mantle], made me feel completely at ease. The whole cast and crew were amazing to work with and looked after me so well, I was really spoilt.
“Even though it’s a scary film, the set was always full of energy and excitement. I had a brilliant stuntman, Julian, who taught me how to do my own stunts safely. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an incredible film and to work with such an inspiring team, and I have lots and lots of memories I will never ever forget.”
Articulate Agency, based in Baildon West Yorkshire, is a preferred acting agency for major casting directors. It has a reputation for securing significant roles – particularly for children (4-15) and young adult (16-25) actors. Its talent star across all major TV networks, including Netflix, Sky, ITV, Channel 5, and BBC, as well as independent and major UK and US film studios, and are trusted by Disney, Universal, and Fox. The agency’s reach also opens up possibilities for work in other areas of performance, such as projects supported by a professional voice over agency, where strong delivery and timing are just as important as on-screen presence.
Articulate also runs a drama school in locations across Yorkshire, helping to break down barriers into the acting industry.
Rocco first began acting classes aged just four at Articulate Agency’s drama school with weekly acting lessons since 2017.
Hayley Walters, 19, lives in Newcastle.
Her acting career began at an early age in 2015 with a series of parts in TV commercials, before cast roles in the ITV show, Dark Angel and playing the role of Erica in the huge BBC children’s show, The Dumping Ground.
She’s also had parts in a number of feature films, including A Mother for An Hour starring Frances Barber and The Power of Authority starring Johnny Read.
Hayley is currently studying for a BA Hons in Acting for Film at University of Chichester Conservatoire.
Hayley said: "Being on the set of 28 Years Later was a surreal experience! I was doing my A-Levels one day and the next I was filming working alongside exceptional talent such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson and being directed by the renowned Danny Boyle, who were so lovely and made me feel so welcome. From the audition to wrap Stacey and Lucy [from Articulate Agency] were so supportive throughout the whole process and I couldn’t thank them enough for this opportunity."
Lucy Millington, Agent at Articulate Agency, said: "We are so proud that our clients will feature in this highly anticipated film. They work so hard and loved every minute of their time on set - we can't wait to see them on screen."
Harriet Taylor, 10, lives in Tyne and Wear. She has had a previous small part in the folk horror movie Starve Acre (2022). She plays the part of Delilah in 28 Years Later. She also trains at Articulate Agency’s drama school.
Harriet said: "I had the best time on set and was inspired by lots of different people I met. Thank you to all my teachers at Articulate for helping build my confidence, which made me feel at home on set."
Stacey Burrows, Director of Articulate Agency, said: “This year has seen our young talent cast in some major movies. All three of these young actors are exceptional talents with huge potential for the future. We’re really proud to have secured roles in such an iconic film series under the visionary director, Danny Boyle.”
Header Image: Tyne & Wear's Harriet Taylor with some new friends
