“Black Mirror” Season 6 is full of wild cards, including some of the most out-there episodes in series history — but it also delivers one bonafide old-fashioned “Black Mirror” episode in “Beyond the Sea;” a sci-fi fueled chamber piece built on a handful of knockout performances, a clever high-concept plot and relentless dread. And unlike most “Black Mirror” episodes, “Beyond the Sea” is nearly feature-length with an 80-minute runtime.
You’re going to be spending a lot of time with the “Beyond the Sea” cast in the twisty and twisted third episode of Season 6, so if you’re wondering where you’ve seen them before or who they’re playing in the new episode, we’ve got a handy (no spoilers) cast and character guide.
Aaron Paul as Cliff Stanfield
Aaron Paul stars as Cliff Stanfield, an astronaut in the midst of a years-long, two-man space travel mission — who spends part of his time back on Earth with his family thanks to the invention of a machine replica that can receive his consciousness while his real body is countless of miles away in space.
Paul is best known for his role as Jesse Pinkman in the much-lauded AMC series “Breaking Bad,” for which he won three Emmy Awards. He also earned two Emmy nominations for his voice performance on Netflix’s “BoJack Horseman.” His previous work also includes “Westworld,” “Truth Be Told,” “Need for Speed,” “Big Love” and “The Path.” Paul previously lent his voice to “Black Mirror” as a bit part in the episode “USS Callister.”
Josh Hartnett as David Ross
Josh Hartnett stars as David Ross, Cliff’s fellow astronaut in the mission, who also spends his time split between space and “on earth” with his wife and two kids in his replica.
In TV, Hartnett is best known for his critically celebrated Showtime horror series “Penny Dreadful.” His film work ranges from breakout roles in “Halloween: H20,” “The Virgin Suicides” and “The Faculty” to blockbuster films like “Pearl Harbor” and “Black Hawk Down.” Recent work includes “Die Hart,” “Wrath of Man” and “Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre.”
Kate Mara as Lana Stanfield
Kate Mara stars as Cliff’s wife, Lana, who lives on Earth with her son and struggles to adjust to the quiet life on her family’s new farm.
Mara has a long and varied resume of recognizable acting roles including TV series like “House of Cards,” “American Horror Story,” “A Teacher,” “Pose,” “24,” “Nip/Tuck” and, most recently, “Class of ’09.” Film roles include “Fantastic Four.” “The Martian,” “Shooter,” “127 Hours” and “Call Jane.”
Auden Thornton as Jessica Ross
Auden Thornton stars as Jessica, David’s wife, who lives back on Earth with their two children. Thornton is best known for playing Lucy Damon in “This Is Us” and has also appeared in “Palm Trees and Powerlines,” “Bull,” “Royal Pains” and “Elementary.”
Rory Culkin as Kappa
Rory Culkin stars as Kappa, a mysterious and dangerous cult leader. Brother to Kieran Culkin of “Succession” fame and Macaulay Culkin of “Home Alone” fame, Culkin is best known for “Scream 4,” “Lords of Chaos,” “Waco,” “Swarm” and “Signs.”
