Jimmi Simpson is stepping back into the role of Walton for Black Mirror's "USS Callister — Into Infinity," the highly anticipated sequel to the Emmy-winning episode that originally aired in 2017. Simpson says this new chapter isn’t just a continuation — it’s essential.

“It makes everything more interesting and more pertinent,” he tells Gold Derby.

The sequel reunites Simpson with costar Cristin Milioti and director Toby Haynes, nearly a decade after the original episode debuted. Despite the nine-year gap, Simpson says slipping back into the role felt effortless.

“It was like the gang was back together,” he shares. “Just a little bit older.”

Before being cast in "USS Callister," Simpson, best known for his role on HBO's Westworld, was already a die-hard fan of the Charlie Brooker-created anthology series and could hardly believe it when he landed the role of Walton.

“I was driving home, and on my phone...