Netflix’s acclaimed anthology series, Black Mirror, continues to captivate audiences with its latest installment, particularly the Season 7 episode titled Plaything. This episode intriguingly links back to prior story arcs, specifically serving as a sequel to the interactive feature Black Mirror: Bandersnatch. Alongside USS Callister: Into Infinity, it provides a glimpse into the chaotic lives of game developers navigating the blurred lines between reality and fiction, set against the backdrop of London transitioning from 1994 to 2034.
As is characteristic of Black Mirror, the episode thrives on its high-concept sci-fi horror narrative, necessitating a stellar cast to portray its intricate themes. The ensemble in Plaything comprises BAFTA and Oscar-winning talents alongside promising newcomers, ensuring a performance depth that elevates the episode amongst the best in the series. Let’s delve into the remarkable cast of Black Mirror: Plaything.
Peter Capaldi as Older Cameron Walker
Date of Birth: April 14, 1958
- Active Since: 1982
Actor Profile: Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Peter Capaldi gained prominence for his role as Malcolm Tucker in The Thick of It in 2005. His most notable recent work includes portraying the Twelfth Doctor in the iconic series Doctor Who from 2013 to 2017. Beyond these milestones, Capaldi has amassed numerous accolades, including a BAFTA and an Oscar for directing Franz Kafka’s It’s a Wonderful Life.
| Peter Capaldi’s Notable Movies & TV Shows | |
|---|---|
| Title | Role |
| Doctor Who | Twelfth Doctor |
| The Thick of It | Malcolm Tucker |
| Local Hero | Oldsen |
| World War Z | W.H.O. Doctor |
Character Overview: In Plaything, Capaldi takes on the role of Older Cameron Walker, who exhibits unconventional views regarding the human mind and artificial intelligence in 2034. His character is entangled in the complexities of a murder investigation.
Lewis Gribben as Younger Cameron Walker
Date of Birth: c. 1997
- Active Since: 2019
Actor Profile: Lewis Gribben, also hailing from Glasgow, emerged onto the scene after graduating from Queen Margaret University in 2019. His breakthrough came in 2022 with a leading role in Somewhere Boy. Previously, he appeared in T2 Trainspotting in a minor role, but has since gained traction with recent performances in Masters of the Air and the upcoming Blade Runner 2099.
| Lewis Gribben’s Notable Movies & TV Shows | |
|---|---|
| Title | Role |
| T2 Trainspotting | Dealer |
| Somewhere Boy | Danny |
| Get Duked! | Duncan |
| Masters of the Air | Sgt. Robert Bixler |
Character Overview: Gribben plays the Younger Cameron Walker, who, in 1994, is developing a video game centered around “cute, evolving artificial lifeforms”. This character shares a mentor-mentee dynamic with the esteemed game designer Colin Ritman.
James Nelson-Joyce as DCI Kano
Date of Birth: 1989
Image via Hulu
- Active Since: 2013
Actor Profile: From Liverpool, England, James Nelson-Joyce gained critical acclaim with his role in the 2017 series Little Boy Blue. Since then, he has established himself in various British dramas including The Responder and A Thousand Blows, while also appearing in notable films like Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant.
| James Nelson-Joyce’s Notable Movies & TV Shows | |
|---|---|
| Title | Role |
| The Nest | Taxi Driver |
| This City is Ours | Michael Kavanagh |
| Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant | Jack “Jack Jack”Jackson |
| A Thousand Blows | Edward “Treacle”Goodson |
Character Overview: As Detective Chief Inspector Kano, James Nelson-Joyce finds himself untangling the murder mysteries that entwine with the character of Cameron Walker.
Will Poulter as Colin Ritman
Date of Birth: January 28, 1993
- Active Since: 2007
| Will Poulter’s Notable Movies & TV Shows | |
|---|---|
| Title | Role |
| We’re the Millers | Kenny Rossmore |
| The Maze Runner | Gally |
| Detroit | Krauss |
| Warfare | Erik |
Actor Profile: Will Poulter brings his talents back to the Black Mirror universe as Colin Ritman, a character whose roots lie in Bandersnatch. In Plaything, Colin’s role evolves as he mentors Cameron Walker, reflecting the same creative philosophies he showcased previously.
Plaything Supporting Cast & Character Guide
Asim Chaudhry as Mohan Thakur: Chaudhry returns as Mohan Thakur in Plaything, serving as CEO at Tuckersoft, the game development company linked to Cameron Walker’s narrative. Known for his role in People Just Do Nothing, Chaudhry’s contribution adds weight to the episode.
Michele Austin as Jen Minter: Austin portrays Jen Minter, possibly alluding to Jeff Minter, a real game designer who inspired Colin Ritman. Her work extends across various film and TV projects, enriching the tapestry of Plaything.
Darryl Foster as PC Mo Raiker: Foster embodies PC Mo Raiker, a police officer involved in the investigation surrounding Cameron Walker. His previous appearances in short films contribute to his character’s depth within the narrative.
For more insights and character profiles, you can explore this comprehensive resource.