Milanka Brooks is an English actress known for her work on movies such as Do Not Disturb and Gun Shy, audio dramas such as Doctor Who: The Ninth Doctor Adventures and TV shows such as Boy Meets Girl and Black Mirror. Milanka has reprised her role as Elena Tulaska in Black Mirror’s first ever sequel episode, USS Callister: Into Infinity. We caught up with her to find out more.
Why do you think Black Mirror fans were so keen to see USS Callister again?
Black Mirror is full of dark, twisted, and often devastating stories, but USS Callister gave audiences a rare glimmer of hope because, thanks to our new Captain Nanette Cole, we escaped, and we survived! Well, some of us… That’s a pretty rare thing to happen in the world of Black Mirror. The question then becomes if we’ll truly find freedom after breaking through Daly’s firewall, or, as we enter this massive multiplayer universe, have we instead entered a new nightmare? Also, the first episode tapped into so many big topics like gaming, VR, power dynamics and genetic engineering. Those themes are still hugely relevant today. So, I would say the social relevance, the genius writing and the thrill of seeing how these characters will cope in Infinity the game created the drive for USS Callister II.
What are the challenges in playing a blue-skinned alien?
Well for starters, needing to look like I’ve hardly aged, but it’s been seven years in reality, was quite the challenge! But I have to say, when you’re covered in blue makeup it hides a lot of wear and tear pretty well. The makeup process has always been one of my favourite parts of the job. The incredibly talented makeup department were not only seamless at creating Tulaska’s look day after day, but they did it with such grace and humour that my early mornings were always a joy. Even when it rained. The runners would help a little more than usual on those days, because I can’t hold anything with my hands being blue. That includes umbrellas, cutlery and cold water bottles. The list goes on. It really does take a village! Once I made it to set each day, I found that inhabiting Tulaska once more came a little too naturally. I may not be quite as unimpressed by things in real life, but that feeling forever sits somewhere inside of me ready to come out as soon as I’m back on the ship dressed for a space rave.
What’s your favourite gag from the show?
I don’t think I can say without entering spoiler territory! Let’s just say there’s a brilliant mix of tension, absurdity, and someone getting completely humiliated, which Charlie Brooker writes so brilliantly.
Why has science fiction and fantasy become so popular again?
Sci-fi and fantasy just reflect the world we live in. These days reality feels stranger than fiction, so genres like these give us a way to explore bigger issues. They create thrilling and fun stories for audiences. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good spaceship battle or a wizard?
If you could do Doctor Who (again), what would you want play?
Someone delightfully evil. Villains always have the most fun. Or maybe a Time Lord who’s been living off-grid for a while and then comes back to see what’s happened to the world since she’s been gone. Possibly the state of the world she returns to makes her become villainous, simply for survival.
Has AI ruined science fiction?
I believe AI has made science fiction more relevant. The scary part is how quickly sci-fi ideas are becoming reality. Sci-fi has always been about human stories and human connection. Real emotion is pretty hard to replicate.
Is the current news cycle a boon or a nightmare for satirists?
I would say it’s a bit of both. The news is so far-fetched oftentimes that satire almost writes itself. Reality trumps fiction. So, I guess it can be hard to parody something that already feels like a Black Mirror episode.
Are you coming to the Edinburgh Fringe again? What bits of it are you looking forward to?
I would love to! There’s truly nowhere like it. An entire city taken over by such a wide range of artists and audiences, all coming together to listen to and share their stories. The mix of seeing friends’ shows, discovering something totally unexpected, and just surviving the madness is what makes it special. Once I’m over the exhaustion and adrenaline from last year (it takes a while, trust me!) I’ll be heading back for sure.
What other projects would you like to work on?
White Lotus. White Lotus. White Lotus. But seriously though, I’d love to do more film, especially indie films with bold, complex characters. And I’m moving into writing for TV, which is really exciting. I love stories that mix comedy and drama, the way life truly is. And I would love to do some more theatre. Now that I have experienced live audiences again, I would jump at the opportunity to do more of that. Existing on the peripheries of failure moment to moment is so exhilarating and like no other medium in acting. There’s no second take. If there’s a bigger cast than a one-person show though, that’d be great, I’d love the occasional break from talking…
What can you tell us about forthcoming work?
I’m bringing my one-woman show, Mum and I Don’t Talk Anymore, to Los Angeles, New York, and London in May this year, which I couldn’t be more excited about. And I’m developing a TV show based on the lead characters; myself and my mum. It’s a three-generational, female-centric comedy. Gavin & Stacey meets Better Things, with a huge dollop of Absolutely Fabulous. Eastern Euro style.
Simpsons or Futurama?
Futurama. The jokes are sharp, and it has so much heart. Plus it’s sci-fi, so I’m fairly biased.
Deathstars or Dragons?
Dragons. Always dragons. Even in space. Space dragons.
Truth or beauty?
Truth. But if it comes well lit, double win.
The seventh series of Black Mirror comes to Netflix on the 10th of April 2025.
You can find out more about Milanka Brooks here and follow them on Instagram here.
