Netflix’s Black Mirror season 5 boasts an impressive cast that you'll recognize from movies, TV and even the world of music. Here's who they play and how you know them.
Black Mirror season 5 consists of three new episodes about society, pop culture, and technology, all written by creator Charlie Brooker. "Striking Vipers" explores the complicated friendship of two men who form a sexual relationship within a virtual reality as video game characters. “Smithereens” focuses on survivor’s guilt, as a man seeks revenge against a social media company that indirectly caused a deadly car accident. “Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too” spotlights the relationship between a famous celebrity, an admiring fan, and manipulative, money-hungry business associates who prioritize technology over authenticity.
It's fair to say Black Mirror season 5 sees the Netflix show become more ambitious in the mature way it tells its stories, and that's reflected in the cast. Here's our Black Mirror season 5 cast and character guide to help fill any memory gaps.
Striking Vipers
Anthony Mackie as Danny: Struggling with the separation between reality and fantasy, Danny seeks balance in his relationships. He reunites with an old friend Karl, and they play a virtual reality version of the video game “Striking Vipers.” The in-game fun turns sexual, and Danny forces himself to find resolution with both his wife and Karl. Mackie portrays Sam Wilson aka Falcon in the MCU. Previously, he played Sergeant J. T. Sanborn in The Hurt Locker and Papa Doc in 8 Mile.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Karl: Much to Danny’s surprise, Karl makes the first sexual move within the VR video game. In real life, Karl maintains a friendly relationship with Danny, but he reveals that nothing compares to their in-game sexual encounters. Abdul-Mateen II portrays Black Manta in the DCEU film Aquaman and stars as Russel Thomas (Adelaide's father) in Jordan Peele’s Us. He also portrays Cal Abraham in the upcoming HBO series Watchmen, and has been cast as the lead in the Candyman reboot.
Nicole Beharie as Theo: In “Striking Vipers,” Theo realizes that Danny is becoming increasingly distant. She contemplates a real-life sexual affair but finds peace by communicating honestly with her husband. Beharie starred opposite Chadwick Boseman in the Jackie Robinson biopic 42. From 2013 to 2017, she portrayed Abbie Mills on the Fox series Sleepy Hollow.
Pom Klementieff as Roxette: Roxette is the female fighter who Karl plays as in Striking Vipers. Klementieff is best known as Mantis from Guardians of the Galaxy.
Ludi Lin as Lance: Lance is Danny's fighter in Striking Vipers. Lin is best known for playing the Black Ranger in 2017's Power Rangers.
Smithereens
Andrew Scott as Chris Gillhaney: Chris seeks revenge against the social media company Smithereens. He’s angry because a dog photo distracted him during a deadly car accident. Chris kidnaps a Smithereens intern and demands to speak with the company’s CEO. Ultimately, he helps a grieving woman investigate her daughter’s suicide. Scott portrayed Jim Moriarty on Sherlock and C in Spectre. He also stars as The Priest in Fleabag season 2.
Damson Idris as Jaden: After being kidnapped, Jaden reveals that he’s just an intern. He urges Chris not to kill himself, and the two mostly treat each other with respect while talking. Idris stars as Franklin Saint in the FX series Snowfall, created by the late John Singleton.
Topher Grace as Billy Bauer: As the CEO of Smithereens, Billy looks inward when he learns about the hostage situation. He calms Chris and agrees to his requests. Grace is best known for starring as Eric Forman on the Fox series That ‘70s Show. He also portrayed Eddie Brock/Venom in Spider-Man 3, and appeared as David Duke in Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman.
Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too
Miley Cyrus as Ashley O: As a famous pop star with her own hi-tech doll, Ashley O strives for authenticity and refuses medication. She’s controlled by her aunt/manager, who drugs Ashley and forces her into a coma. Ashley awakens and learns that her dreams were exploited for content. Cyrus famously starred in Disney’s Hannah Montana and became one of America's most controversial real-life pop stars.
Angourie Rice as Rachel: At 15 years old, Rachel admires Ashley O and takes advice from the A.I. doll Ashley Too. She helps Ashley O escape upon awakening from a coma. Rice played Ryan Gosling's daughter in The Nice Guys and currently portrays Betty Brant in the MCU's Spider-Man movies.
Madison Davenport as Jack: Skeptical of pop culture trends, Jack embraces alternative music. She hides the A.I. doll and ultimately helps Ashley O escape, and later performs with her on stage. Davenport portrayed Kate Fuller/Amaru in From Dusk till Dawn: The Series and appeared as Ashley Wheeler in HBO's Sharp Objects.
Susan Pourfar as Catherine: Catherine is Ashley's aunt and manager who wants to kill the singer so she can sell her life rights. Pourfar has had recurring roles in many major series including House of Cards, The Sinner, and Scandal.
Marc Menchaca as Kevin: Kevin is Rachel and Jack's father, obsessed with pest control. Menchaca is another TV regular, appearing in the likes of The Sinner and Ozark.