USS Callister Returns

Is the crew of the USS Callister ready for another round of virtual torment? Black Mirror's season 7 promises to revisit one of the most iconic episodes in the series.

A man with a beard and glasses is sitting at a desk in an office, staring intently at his computer screen. He has a serious expression on his face and his body language is tense. There are other people working in the background, but the man is the focus of the image.
Photography by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels
Published: Friday, 15 November 2024 10:13 (EST)
By Laura Mendes

For those who still have nightmares about the twisted virtual reality of the USS Callister, brace yourselves. Black Mirror is bringing back the infamous crew in its upcoming season 7, and fans are already buzzing about what new horrors await. But what exactly can we expect from this sequel to the Emmy-winning episode?

Season 4's USS Callister was a chilling blend of sci-fi and psychological horror, where a disgruntled CTO, Robert Daly, used immersive VR tech to trap digital clones of his colleagues in a twisted, Star Trek-inspired game. The episode left us with a cliffhanger as the crew managed to escape into the vastness of the internet, leaving Daly trapped in his own virtual hell. Now, it seems like we’re about to find out what happens next.

The Cast: Familiar Faces and New Additions

In typical Black Mirror fashion, the cast reveal for season 7 was anything but straightforward. A cryptic video posted on the show’s official X (formerly Twitter) page featured a flickering computer screen, slowly unloading a data dump of names. Among the familiar faces returning from the USS Callister episode are Cristin Milioti, Jimmi Simpson, Billy Magnussen, Milanka Brooks, and Osy Ikhile. These actors played the virtual crew members who were subjected to Daly's cruel whims.

But it’s not just the old crew returning. The cast list also includes some heavy hitters like Oscar nominee Paul Giamatti, Doctor Who’s Peter Capaldi, Awkwafina, Issa Rae, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Rashida Jones. With such a star-studded lineup, it’s clear that season 7 is pulling out all the stops.

Plot Teasers: Clues Hidden in Plain Sight

Of course, it wouldn’t be Black Mirror without some mind-bending teasers. The cryptic video didn’t just reveal the cast—it also dropped some tantalizing hints about the upcoming episodes. Between the scrolling names, eagle-eyed fans spotted phrases like “Too soon?” and “Shields 58 percent.” The latter seems like a direct nod to the USS Callister, where shields and space combat were a central part of the virtual game.

Could these be episode titles? Or are they just more of Black Mirror’s infamous red herrings? Either way, fans are already speculating about what these cryptic messages could mean. And let’s not forget the reference to Tuckersoft, the game studio from the interactive Black Mirror movie, Bandersnatch. Could there be a crossover in the works?

What’s Next for the USS Callister Crew?

When we last saw the crew, they had escaped Daly’s control and were flying through the open internet, free from his tyranny. But freedom in the digital world comes with its own set of challenges. Will they encounter other virtual entities? Will they be hunted down by Daly’s digital ghost? Or could they face an even greater threat lurking in the vast, uncharted territories of cyberspace?

Series creator Charlie Brooker has always been tight-lipped about plot details, but one thing is certain: the USS Callister sequel will push the boundaries of technology and morality even further. As with most Black Mirror episodes, expect a heavy dose of social commentary wrapped in a tech dystopia.

When Can We Expect It?

Mark your calendars for 2025. While the exact release date hasn’t been confirmed, season 7 is expected to drop sometime that year. Until then, we’ll just have to keep dissecting the cryptic clues and speculating about what’s in store for the USS Callister crew.

One thing’s for sure: Black Mirror is once again ready to make us question our relationship with technology—and maybe lose a little sleep in the process.

For more details on the cast reveal and hidden clues, check out the full article on Engadget.

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