Ullapool Musician Ruairidh MacLean Stars in '28 Years Later'

In a remarkable turn of events, Ruairidh MacLean, a musician from Ullapool, Scotland, has secured a role in the much-anticipated zombie horror film '28 Years Later.' The film, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Danny Boyle, is the third installment in a trilogy that began with the iconic '28 Days Later' released in 2002. MacLean's involvement in the film stems from an unexpected encounter during a performance in Inverness, where his unique musical style captured the attention of the production team.

MacLean, who performs under the name RuMac, believes that a lighthearted rendition of the England football anthem 'Three Lions' at one of his gigs led to his casting. According to MacLean, production designers viewing his performance were so impressed that they recommended him to Boyle, prompting an invitation to join the cast. "I was on a ferry to Uist when I got an email asking if I would be interested in doing something, and I said 'why not'?" MacLean recounted in an interview with BBC Naidheachdan.

The musician's memorable performance included a playful eight-minute rendition of 'Three Lions,' which he delivered amid requests from Scottish football fans for 'Flower of Scotland.' While MacLean faced initial jeers for his choice, he managed to win over the crowd with his subsequent performance of Tom Jones's 'Delilah,' creatively styled after Glasgow's 1970s rock band, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band.

The film '28 Years Later,' featuring notable actors such as Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, explores a post-apocalyptic Britain plagued by hordes of bloodthirsty zombies. MacLean, who is a fan of the original film, expressed excitement about being part of this new chapter. "Everything about the filming was good," he stated, although he remains tight-lipped about the specifics of his scene, which was filmed near Newcastle alongside fellow Gaelic musician Ruairidh Graham.

In addition to his film role, MacLean has recently gained recognition from his appearance on ITV's 'Britain's Got Talent,' where he performed 'Yes Sir, I Can Boogie,' a song often regarded as an unofficial anthem for Scotland's national football team. He reached the semi-finals of the competition, showcasing his diverse musical talents.

Looking ahead, MacLean is set to perform at several festivals, including the EDF Festival in Benbecula and the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival near Beauly, further establishing his presence in the Scottish music scene.

As '28 Years Later' hits theaters, MacLean's journey from local musician to film actor underscores the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry and the power of performance art to open unforeseen doors. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists, illustrating how passion and creativity can lead to extraordinary opportunities in unexpected ways.