Black Mirror Season 7’s Sequel Plan Confirms A Fear We’ve Had For 1 Year

As exciting as Black Mirror season 7 may seem, it is hard not to be carefully optimistic for its release after hearing about its strange sequel plans. Loosely inspired by The Twilight Zone, Black Mirror initially had an indie charm when it premiered on Channel 4 in 2011. Each episode in the series came off as a unique short film that envisioned a dark take on the near future and all the potential dystopian technologies it could bring with it.

However, after landing on Netflix, Black Mirror earned a more mainstream appeal, spawning sequel seasons and even a standalone film. Although the show’s tone and thematic explorations have significantly changed in recent seasons, it continues to captivate audiences with its zany and ambitious sci-fi narratives. Owing to this, it is not surprising that even Black Mirror season 7 is now underway. What makes this new Black Mirror installment a little concerning, however, is that it is slightly deviating from the narrative structure followed by its predecessors.

Black Mirror Really Is Doing A USS Callister Sequel, 1 Year After Everyone Thought It Was

A USS Callister sequel episode has officially been confirmed for Black Mirror season 7

A USS Callister sequel was already rumored after the original season 4 episode grew up in the ranks as the franchise’s most popular and well-received installment. When the trailer for Black Mirror season 6’s episode 3 (“Beyond the Sea”) first premiered, many viewers could not help but assume that it was a sequel to USS Callister because the original season 4 episode featured a voice cameo from Aaron Paul, who was one of season 6, episode 3’s two primary leads. While the season 6 episode does not confirm its connection with USS Callister, some have theorized it could be a sequel.

However, even though Beyond the Sea’s exploration of virtual reality is similar to USS Callister’s, it would be a bit of a stretch to assume that it serves as a sequel to the season 4 episode. One year after Black Mirror season 6, however, the much-awaited USS Callister sequel is officially happening. While Netflix officially confirmed on social media that Black Mirror season 7 is scheduled to be released in 2025, reports confirmed that the USS Callister sequel is a part of season 7’s episode roster.

As per reports (via Variety), the new USS Callister episode also has a plot synopsis. According to its plot details, the main character of the original season 4 episode, Robert Daly (played by Jesse Plemons), is dead. However, this only marks the inception of a new set of problems for the crew of the titular USS Callister.

Why Black Mirror Doing A USS Callister Sequel Is Concerning

Creating a USS Callister sequel could be a risky endeavor

Even in the first four seasons of Black Mirror, often touted as the franchise’s best installments, not all episodes were received as well as the others. However, Black Mirror‘s anthology approach has always allowed it to balance its not-so-engaging installments with some brilliant ones. The show’s format also keeps viewers intrigued and curious throughout its runtime. However, by confirming that one season 7 episode will be an official sequel to an existing one, Black Mirror could risk diminishing the sense of novelty that comes with each new episode.

With Robert Daly dead, the new USS Callister episode will likely be significantly different from its predecessor. However, its familiar setting and Star Wars references may not feel as exciting as they did when audiences were first introduced to USS Callister’s worldbuilding and character beats. Since the original USS Callister is also widely considered one of the best episodes in the Black Mirror franchise, the season 7 sequel will have the pressure to live up to its high standards. If it fails to be equally good (if not better), it could blemish the legacy and reputation of the original.

Why Black Mirror’s USS Callister Sequel Could Work

USS Callister’s sequel may not be as bad as it seems

As risky as it may seem, the USS Callister sequel could still work in several ways. For starters, Black Mirror has been running strong for six seasons straight, but it needs to find new ways to keep audiences invested. What better way to please audiences than by revisiting one of the most acclaimed episodes in the series? While Black Mirror season 7’s USS Callister will bear the responsibility of continuing the legacy of the original season 4 episode, it is hard not to have faith that Charlie Brooker will be able to recreate all the Star Wars references and dystopian terrors that made the original so engaging.