Jimmi Simpson Talks Black Mirror’s USS Callister Sequel

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Summary

  • “USS Callister: Into Infinity” is Black Mirror’s first sequel episode with most of the original cast returning.
  • Actor Jimmi Simpson discusses the challenges of playing different aspects of his character in the episode.
  • The interview also delves into how his previous role in a sci-fi series informed his approach to his Black Mirror character.

After much anticipation, season 7 of Black Mirror has made its grand appearance, and it brings something new to the table – a sequel episode! The title “USS Callister: Into Infinity” finds us revisiting the team aboard the ship named so, as their adventure through a digital universe persists. This episode features most of the original cast making a comeback, with Jimmi Simpson once more assuming the part of callous tech CEO James Walton, and also playing the role of James Walton’s digital counterpart that remains trapped in this virtual world.

Game Rant had a fascinating conversation with actor Jimmi Simpson. During the chat, Simpson shared insights into his method for portraying Walton’s twin roles and how his experience from a past role in a popular sci-fi series influenced his character in “Black Mirror”. He also disclosed that a 1985 sci-fi film served as inspiration for one of his standout scenes in “USS Callister: Into Infinity.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity

Game Rant: You’re returning to the world of Black Mirror. The episode USS Callister from season 4 was remarkable, and now you’re revisiting this character role again, more so than before. Can you discuss some of the difficulties in portraying the same character, but in different ways this time around?

Or: Game Rant: You find yourself back in Black Mirror territory. The USS Callister episode from season 4 was exceptional, and now you’re diving deeper into this character role than before. What were some of the hurdles you faced while playing the same character, but with a new twist?

Jimmi Simpson: As an actor, it’s fascinating because you get to embody traits that are inherent within a character, and the choices they make are a reflection of that. The portrayal of Walton in this case is complex, as he embodies human vices such as greed and selfishness without any restraint. In reality, Walton’s actions have never been scrutinized, and his methods of obtaining what he wants, which can be quite abrasive, have not led to any negative consequences. Essentially, it’s like watching a well-trained individual employing strategies that work for them without much contemplation.

Walton, a dedicated gamer, found himself in an enlightening situation where he realized, “Wow, people have feelings too. I guess I thought everyone was just going about their own business.” This sudden realization struck him as profound, leading to the self-critical thought, “Oh my goodness, I was mistaken.” Interacting with his team subsequently helped him reevaluate his priorities and embrace a fresh perspective on life.

It appears that many individuals instinctively desire to acquire and consume, but truly grasping the art of moderation typically requires guidance, discipline, life experiences, and hard work. In contrast, fictional characters like Real Walton embody the stereotype of a careless tech mogul who creates chaos due to self-indulgence.

You know, he’s an exceptionally well-crafted character. What I find fascinating is the contrast within him. He seems to share some traits with William from Westworld, another character you portrayed. On the surface, they both are affluent men with dubious morals, but beneath that facade, they are deeply connected to intense, realistic worlds. Have you ever noticed any parallels between these two characters? And did delving into the mindset of William influence your performance as Walton in any way?

In JavaScript: Everything is interconnected, just like any field you work in. As your understanding grows, it accumulates. Once, during a reading with Martin Landau, each word he said seemed to carry six decades of human behavior interpretation.

With William and Walton, both of them are incredibly isolated. One of them copes with this solitude by destroying robots that evoke memories of his loneliness. The other one seizes a billion-dollar tech empire and begins to extort people for their wealth. Loneliness frequently serves as a driving force behind the antagonists found in stories, even if it’s unintended; it often fuels such malicious behavior.

Are the shows “Westworld” and “Black Mirror”, two significant science fiction stories, among your favorites? If so, do you have an affinity for science fiction, and are there any other science fiction universes, series, or productions that you would be interested in contributing to at some point?

In my career, I found myself particularly captivated by science fiction that explores prediction, and Westworld might have been my initial exposure. Throughout my years, I’ve been an avid reader, drawn to authors like Ray Bradbury and Isaac Asimov. A book like Robots of Dawn reshaped my perspective on humanity, despite being a story about robots. Similarly, I’m currently involved in the production of a series called Dark Matter, which falls under the category of predictive sci-fi, presenting concepts that are either imminent or already unfolding.>

In this environment, I find immense joy. My aspiration was to become an English educator, which led me to enroll in a dramatic arts program. Storytelling is something I hold dear. I believe it heals, it informs, and it fosters connections. At present, I feel as though I’m sharing tales that genuinely matter to me.

Question: How did you find it when you had to devour a wriggling, extraterrestrial creature on the show, complete with drinking its blood and fully immersing yourself in the act? Can you share your experience working with such a prop and portraying that level of intensity?

JS: Let me tell you, it’s really enjoyable! The narrative is quite unusual, and everything seems to fit together perfectly, which I hadn’t experienced before. Growing up, I didn’t encounter any artists or even know what an actor was. It wasn’t until I was 22 and attended the Williamstown Theater Festival for my apprenticeship that I met an actor. When I was 12, a movie called Enemy Mine, starring Louis Gossett Jr. and Dennis Quaid, was released. HBO offered a free weekend, so I recorded it on tape and watched it. There’s something about Dennis Quaid that stood out – he had this persistent hunger that left an impression on me.

It’s amazing how an actor’s dedication to take on such extreme eating habits can inspire you. It makes you feel a deep hunger within yourself. Of course, it’s crucial to tap into that feeling when acting authentically and truthfully. At times, seeing another artist explore new paths can open up unexpected avenues for your own performance.

That particular scene felt like a long-awaited dream coming true for me. It was as if I was saying, “Wow, I never realized this is what my career had been leading up to.” I’m thrilled you asked about it, as no one else has. Shooting that scene was an absolute joy and exactly what I’ve always wanted to do in my career.

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2025-04-10 19:01