Some of the most relevant social commentary has come from Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror, an anthology series that is often described as Twilight Zone with a postmodern twist. Black Mirror is dedicated to showing some of the darker side effects technology has on our society, politics, and daily life. Though the episodes are typically set in the near future, they often seem like they can happen tomorrow.
Variety has reported that Netflix has finally released its first teaser trailer for the highly anticipated season 4 of Black Mirror. The teaser covers all of the episode titles of the season and gives brief glimpses of what each episode will include. Netflix also revealed the cast for season 4 along with the teaser. Season 4’s order of episodes is not yet confirmed. Charlie Brooker, who first created the series, has written all of the episodes for season 4 and co-wrote “USS Callister” with William Bridges.
“Crocodile” is directed by Australian filmmaker John Hillcoat and will star Andrea Riseborough, Andre Gower, and Kiran Sonia Sawar. “Arkangel” is directed by Jodie Foster and stars Rosemarie Dewitt, Brenna Harding, and Owen Teague, while “Hang the DJ” is directed by Tim Van Patten and stars Georgina Campbell, Joe Cole, and George Blagden.
Before the teaser’s release, it was speculated that “USS Callister” would be set in outer space, a first for Black Mirror. The teaser confirms this fact, with brief footage reflecting an almost Star Trek feel. “USS Callister” is directed by Toby Haynes and stars Jesse Plemons, Jimmi Simpson, and Cristin Militoti.
“Metalhead” appears to be an all black and white episode, another first for Black Mirror. This episode is directed by David Slade and stars Maxine Peake, Jake Davies, and Clint Dyer. “Black Museum” was taken on by director Colm McCarthy and stars Douglas Hodge, Letita Wright, and Babs Olusanmokun.
Black Mirror first started out as a small show over in the UK. The first two seasons had only 3 episodes, with season 2 having one Christmas special. Netflix decided to take on the show for in 2015 its third season and expanded the number of episodes to 6. This season’s cast and directors reflect Black Mirror’s growing popularity and subsequent ability to attract larger and larger talent with each season.
Black Mirror season 4 will premiere on Netflix some time soon in 2017.