After eight years, “Black Mirror” revisits one of its most iconic episodes, “USS Callister,” bringing back the cast for a sequel titled “USS Callister: Into Infinity” in season 7. Cristin Milioti, who returns as Nanette Cole, shared insights with PEOPLE about the much-anticipated continuation of the “USS Callister” storyline. Known for its gripping narrative, the episode originally featured employees trapped in a VR game by their boss. The sequel, debuting on April 10, took several forms before reaching its final format.
Milioti, renowned for her dynamic portrayal of Nanette Cole, revealed that discussions on the sequel occurred for a considerable time with “Black Mirror” creator Charlie Brooker. She described the various stages the sequel went through, even hinting at the possibility of a full series at one point. “It was something that Charlie and I had talked about for a really long time,” Milioti explained, emphasizing the creative exploration this project underwent.
Airing as part of season 4, “USS Callister” was acclaimed and earned numerous Emmy nominations, confirming its cultural impact. Milioti disclosed how there were moments when the sequel could have expanded into a series. However, she trusts Brooker and the creative team, including director Toby Haynes, to have made the right choice in delivering this episode for season 7. “I like that their forms are the same. Like each one is a movie,” she added, expressing appreciation for the consistency.
The reunion with co-stars such as Jimmi Simpson and Billy Magnussen was an exhilarating experience for Milioti, as she nostalgically recounted stepping back onto the set after seven years. “It was definitely trippy to be back on that same set… like being inside of deja vu sometimes,” she remarked, pointing out the mix of familiarity and newness in rekindling past connections this project allowed.
Simpson, who plays James Walton, mirrored Milioti’s sentiments regarding the creative atmosphere fostered by Brooker and Haynes. “It’s just a great team,” he commented, acknowledging the collaborative environment that made returning such a rewarding experience for him and the other cast members. Milioti echoed this appreciation for the script’s depth, noting, “They got into the heart of it and found more guts we didn’t know we desperately needed to find answers to.”
The sequel introduced an exhilarating dimension to the “Black Mirror” landscape as Cristin Milioti indulged in thrilling action sequences, a novel experience for her. “I’ve never been chased on a planet, firing a gun and tumbling over logs,” she shared, expressing excitement about these dynamic scenes. This new layer to Milioti’s performance added further depth to an already engaging story.
Reflecting on what this sequel means, Milioti acknowledged the rarity of getting the opportunity to revisit a story with fresh eyes. “How rare that you get to get back together again and dig a little deeper into something,” she concluded, clearly valuing the chance to further explore Nanette’s character within this innovative universe.
With “Black Mirror” season 7 now available on Netflix, viewers can once again dive into the captivating worlds that Cristin Milioti and her co-stars bring to life with such intensity and ingenuity. Whether familiar faces or new ones, the allure of “USS Callister: Into Infinity” promises an unforgettable addition to the “Black Mirror” anthology. Fans are encouraged to experience the thrill of this gripping narrative, where the boundary between reality and virtual imagination continues to fascinate.
