Cristin Milioti on the ‘Black Mirror’ Sequel ‘USS Callister: Into Infinity,’ Her Favorite ‘Sicko’ Moment and the Possibility of a Part 3

ATTENTION: SPOILERS AHEAD: Here’s a discussion about significant events from the “Black Mirror” episode “USS Callister: Into Infinity,” now available for streaming on Netflix.

Ever since the “USS Callister” episode from “Black Mirror” premiered on Netflix back in 2017, Cristin Milioti has frequently fielded queries regarding a potential sequel to the show.

The primary storyline interweaves the day-to-day existence of Nanette Cole, a humble game programmer in the real world who works on the online game “Infinity,” with a computer-generated representation of the spaceship from the TV series “Space Fleet” created by the inventor of “Infinity,” Robert Daly. In a sinister twist, Robert has been illicitly acquiring DNA samples from his colleagues, including the ruthless CEO of “Infinity,” James Walton, to create digital, self-aware duplicates that he compels to serve as crew members in his fantasy world of being a starship captain. However, when he replicates Nanette’s DNA, her digital counterpart sparks a rebellion, leading to Robert’s consciousness fading away in reality, while the virtual Nanette and the crew of the USS Callister venture forth into an endless digital expanse.

As a devoted fan of “Black Mirror”, the unexpected twist at the end of “USS Callister” left me pondering if the series’ mastermind, Charlie Brooker, might be planning the first sequel episode. This hypothetical storyline would delve into the further escapades of Nanette and her team, including digital duplicates of my fellow “Infinity” colleagues like Karl (Billy Magnussen), Nate (Osy Ikhile), Elena (Milanka Brooks) and Kabir (Paul G. Raymond).

2019 marked the transition of speculation into fact as Milioti began discussions with Brooker regarding potential sequels to “USS Callister”. According to Milioti, the concept underwent an incredible number of revisions – approximately 500. She explained to EbMaster that they considered various aspects such as how everyone would return to the same space, whether it should be a series, and explored every possible avenue. At times, multiple versions swirled in Milioti’s mind only to dissolve and reform again. It was an intriguing journey of development.

Seven years after its debut, the season 7 finale of “Black Mirror,” titled “USS Callister: Journey to Eternity,” is penned by creators Brooker, Bridges, Bisha K. Ali (“Ms. Marvel”) and Bekka Bowling (“Solos”), with Toby Haynes (“Andor”) at the helm once more. The story unfolds approximately three months following the initial episode, revealing that life aboard the digital USS Callister is far from idyllic: Nanette and her crew are compelled to extort the in-game avatars of real-world players for “Infinity” currency to afford essentials such as ammunition, fuel, and sustenance. As the crew lack gamertags, player complaints about being swindled escalate on the “Infinity” online forums, eventually leading Nanette to discover her digital counterpart for the first time and encounter her within the game.

The brief meeting comes to an unfortunate end: In reality, Nanette is tragically hit by a car while James, her superior, frantically begs her not to reveal that his game includes unlawful digital duplicates of people. As James desperately tries to cover up the mess by deleting the Callister and its crew, the digital version of Nanette navigates the Callister towards the core of “Infinity.” In this inner sanctum, a hidden digital duplicate of Robert has been developing fresh virtual worlds for players to explore. When Nanette presents her case to Robert, he consents to rescue the Callister, but on one condition: he creates another digital version of Nanette to be his constant companion within the game. To avoid a life of servitude, Nanette slays the virtual Robert, which leads to the destruction of “Infinity” — but not before Robert’s software transfers Nanette’s digital mind back into her unconscious human body.

Indeed, there’s a surprising turn: The remaining members of Callister’s crew are not only part of Nanette’s real-world consciousness, but they find themselves as passive observers in her daily life. Milioti recently chatted with EbMaster about the ramifications of this ending, what it felt like to act alongside herself, and the intriguing aspect of creating “Into Infinity” that she found particularly enjoyable – the ‘sicko’ element, if you will.

When did you first know that there was even a possibility of a sequel actually happening?

Indeed, the past five years seem to blend into one another, don’t they? Charlie and I had often discussed this very topic. Subsequently, I found myself in London during those years, and we would always share meals together. He frequently brought up his desire to revisit it. However, I believe our first serious conversation about it happened in the year 2019.

What were those early conversations like about where the story might go? In early interviews, you talked about the possibility that real-world Nanette would be under investigation for Robert’s murder.

It seems highly likely that it was initially started, but later left unattended due to perhaps being overly complex or demanding.

What other possible threads did you look at?

It seems there were numerous duplicates of every individual, approximately four or five per person – it became quite excessive. I recall finding it amusing, despite the fact that I’m certain filming such a scenario would have been horrifying. Personally, I wouldn’t mind experiencing it.

How much did you contribute to the development of the story and where it went?

Charlie was incredibly receptive to all my thoughts and queries regarding the emotional journey shared by both Nanettes, as well as identifying their similarities and differences, and the most effective ways to convey this. Unlike questioning if it’s a certain thing, I found myself more of an observer in his creative process. It was fortunate that I was invited early on to read the initial drafts and ask numerous questions. Although it may have been frustrating for him at times, he remained gracious throughout.

What kind of questions did you have?

The progression of events seemed to leapfrog ahead, occasionally advancing by a fortnight, other times by a year. It appeared he was delving into the precise sequence of occurrences. Consequently, my queries evolved, considering factors such as how long this predicament had persisted in this world, and how much she is aware or suspicious. As these variables fluctuated, I was merely striving to grasp the situation as clearly as possible.

What did you make of where it finally landed? Because there is a reversal of expectations: The first episode ends with this feeling of hope and possibility for the Callister crew, and it turns out that their lives are pretty terrible.

I didn’t really have a firm viewpoint on it, either way. It reminded me of how life works – no matter where you go, you still find yourself. Although Nanette in the virtual world seems to be accomplishing things that her real-world counterpart could barely dream of, she’s still grappling with the same issues: dissatisfaction with job performance, frustration with colleagues, and feeling overwhelmed by obstacles that seem insurmountable at the moment. I found that intriguing.

How did you differentiate your performance between virtual Nanette and real world Nanette?

Although some aspects are physical, their postures vary significantly. Yet, I aimed to maintain a subtle approach as their lives have taken starkly different paths, but it hasn’t been long enough for such changes to be profound. The virtual Nanette exhibits intelligence and cunningness, yet she remains true to herself amidst the absurd situations she never anticipated. Despite her significant advancements in confidence and readiness for unexpected circumstances, she shares similarities with office Nanette. Upon their encounter, I found it intriguing how one admired the other, while the other appeared somewhat let down, akin to the moment when you listen to your own voice recording or watch a video of yourself and think, “Is that really me?

Had you ever acted with yourself before?

Indeed, I’ve previously acted in Season 2 of the show “Made for Love,” from the Max series, which seems to be mysteriously locked away. This situation leaves me quite frustrated as I can’t seem to find it. In fact, I’ve had the unusual experience of sharing scenes with myself on that production. It’s truly an eccentric endeavor!

What is that process like? Did you have a preference of how you wanted to go about it?

The complexity of it all left me both intrigued and annoyed. For the challenging scenes, we utilized an exceptionally unique camera, requiring us to meticulously replicate each other’s actions, leaving my mind exhausted by day’s end. It’s as if I’m a modem that needs to be cooled down. As an actor, what I cherish most is collaborating with fellow artists and exploring the creative journey together. However, recalling those past actions for our current scene can feel odd and disorienting. It’s a distinct talent, much like actors who frequently work with green screens.

Nanette kills the virtual Robert Daly with his own ceremonial knife through his skull. Did it feel you’d taken the character full circle with that, after Robert tormented her so much in the first episode?

I adored that sequence immensely. It echoed aspects of the initial one: It allows you to experience a profound sense of empathy towards a character, yet it doesn’t justify their actions. In this installment, it seems as though your heart aches for him. It serves as a powerful symbol of capitalism, portraying how someone is condemned to produce content endlessly, which can drive one insane. The endless pursuit never satisfies. He yearns for companionship, and the scene left me devastated. Of course, we all crave that connection, but forcing it upon someone against their will – it was exactly what transpired in the first episode. It’s almost like a recurring theme: Oh my goodness, here we go again.

I screamed when the real world Nanette was hit by a car. How did you feel about it?

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, yet there’s no denying my peculiarity towards such activities. The stunt was intricate and required multiple takes for verification, which usually makes me uncomfortable. I typically avoid watching myself on screen, steer clear of listening to my own voice playback, as it sends shivers down my spine. However, this time, I found myself able to endure watching the replay. It filled me with a mix of horror and amusement. Whether it’s intended to be funny or not, it certainly caught me off guard and sent chills up my spine.

Finally, the ending leaves open a lingering question about what will happen to the Callister crew now that they’re stuck in Nanette’s brain. Do you think a Part 3 is possible?

Indeed, it appears to be a complex situation. Is this perhaps an unusual means for her to maintain the captaincy indefinitely? Or could it be transforming her into a person who desires control over others’ thoughts, someone who is never truly alone and holds onto power? It seems that she isn’t exerting much effort to free them from their predicament.

Would you do a Part 3?

I haven’t discussed this yet, but I have faith in Charlie’s intellect. If he thinks there might be another option available, I’d be eager to hear his thoughts on the matter.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2025-04-11 01:17