Silo’s Remmie Milner On New Depths, Harriet Walter & Life Between Worlds

Apple TV’s gripping sci-fi thriller Silo is back for season 3. Based on Hugh Howey’s bestselling novels and helmed by showrunner Graham Yost, the series has captivated audiences with its mystery-laden, strange world set in the dystopian 24th century. In season 3, we finally start to uncover the origin story of the titular rabbit warren of an underground settlement, revealing what led humanity to abandon the world above in the first place.

Remmie Milner returns as Shirley Campbell, the no-nonsense engineer at the heart of the silo’s resistance. Ahead of the new series, C&TH sat down with the British actress to talk about Shirley’s vulnerability and grief, her five years in the role, and finding balance between a demanding career and life’s other adventures – including imminent motherhood.

Q&A: Remmie Milner On Silo

Hi Remmie, how’s life going at the moment?

Life is full of exciting new chapters right now! I’ve just finished filming the final season of Silo for Apple TV – a world I’ve been lucky enough to be part of for the past five years, and one I’ve absolutely loved. Now I’m enjoying a different pace: hanging out with my toddler, pottering around London, and settling into our new home after a recent move. On top of that, I’m pregnant with our second baby, who’s due very soon! It’s safe to say life is wonderfully full-on and a bit of a juggling act at times but I feel incredibly grateful to be in such a lovely season of life.

You can currently be seen in season 3 of Silo – can you give us an elevator pitch for the show for anyone who hasn’t tuned in before?

Silo imagines a world where the last ten thousand people on Earth live deep underground in a giant, mile-deep silo, convinced it’s the only way to survive the toxic world outside. But no one knows who built the silo, why it exists, or what really happened to the world above. And there lies the threat – asking too many questions can have deadly consequences. It’s a brilliantly gripping mystery wrapped up in a dystopian thriller, based on Hugh Howey’s bestselling trilogy, with twists that just keep coming.

What’s going to happen in season 3?

At the end of season 2, we get a glimpse of the before times (with Ashley Zukerman and Jessica Henwick) – the equivalent to our modern day – and it’s a real game-changer. Season 3 begins to uncover the origin story, revealing more about why the silo was created in the first place and what led humanity underground. The story cleverly weaves between the past and the future, following both the people who lived through those pivotal events and the generations living with their consequences centuries later.

Meanwhile, we reunite with Juliette (Rebecca Ferguson), who is grappling with memory loss, while her silo is still trying to recover after the rebellion. As more pieces of the puzzle fall into place, the stakes become even bigger and the mystery deepens.

You play Shirley – how would you describe her?

Shirley is a no-nonsense, highly skilled engineer who takes keeping the silo running incredibly seriously. She’s practical, proactive and doesn’t suffer fools gladly. By nature, she’s quite impulsive, but underneath that tough exterior is someone with a huge heart. She keeps her circle very small, and if you earn her trust, she’s fiercely loyal. You’d be lucky to get a smile out of her unless you’re one of her people!

At the start of this season, she’s carrying a lot of heartbreak, as her best friend no longer remembers who she is, which torments her and adds a really emotional layer to everything she does.

What is in store for her this season?

Last season, Shirley was at the heart of the rebellion alongside Knox, driven by her courage, conviction and trademark fire. This season, we get to see a more vulnerable side of her. She’s grieving the loss of the friendship she had with Juliette, fearing it may never return to what it once was.

As the story unfolds, Shirley uncovers truths that completely shake her understanding of the world she’s fought so hard to protect. True to her Mechanical roots, though, she doesn’t stand still for long. She throws herself headfirst into the fight, determined to save what she can and do everything in her power to help shape a better future for the people she loves.

What is it like playing her, returning to the role?

It’s incredibly refreshing! There’s something so freeing about playing someone who says exactly what’s on her mind and isn’t afraid of the consequences. Shirley is a real force of nature, and every time I received a new script I’d get super excited to see where she was heading next and then discover how we’d shape those moments on set.

She’s constantly thinking a few steps ahead, often carrying the weight of the silo or the people she loves on her shoulders. What I love most is the balance of head and heart within her. She’s an engineer through and through, driven by logic and problem-solving, but she’s also deeply emotional and fiercely passionate when it matters. Every season reveals another side of her that I never see coming, which keeps the role endlessly rewarding. That’s a huge credit to showrunner Graham Yost and the incredible team of writers, who continue to surprise us all.

Do you do anything special to get into character?

I make sure I stay physically fit because Shirley could spring into action at any moment. Whether she’s racing up the silo stairs to sort some business out, getting into a confrontation, or escaping from trouble, she definitely keeps me on my toes!

I also keep a handwritten timeline of everything Shirley experiences throughout the series. It helps me map her emotional and physical journey, and I always check in with it before filming a scene, especially as we almost always shoot out of sequence. It’s a really useful way of making sure I know exactly where she is mentally and emotionally at every point in the story.

Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming?

One of the standout moments for me was working on the opening episode with director Michael Dinner to find the right emotional balance for Shirley. She’s grieving someone she’s convinced she’s lost, and then suddenly that very person is standing right in front of her. It was a huge emotional puzzle because Shirley is experiencing grief, loss, regret and rage all at once, all whilst trying to distance herself from reality and figure out a way to handle it.

It was also really special to find those moments in the scenes with Shane McRae and Billy Postlethwaite. They’re both such generous actors and are always completely present, which makes it so easy to be spontaneous and discover new moments together.

What was the cast dynamic on set?

There’s a huge amount of respect between everyone, both on and off set, and I think that really comes across in the work. We leave our phones in our trailers, so when we’re together we’re genuinely present, whether that’s talking through scenes, sharing ideas, or ending up in deep philosophical conversations about the world.

There’s also a lot of laughter and joy. Everyone hypes each other up, and if something in a scene isn’t quite landing, we’ll happily bang our heads together to get a deeper understanding of what is needed for the storyline or action. There truly is a beautiful chemistry between the cast, crew and creatives, and it’s been one of those jobs where you feel supported, challenged and inspired every single day. I’ve learnt so much from everyone involved, and it’s an experience I’ll always cherish.

Who was your favourite person to work with?

It’s impossible to pick just one because the cast is so wonderful, but I was especially excited to work with Harriet Walter. I’d admired her for years on stage and screen, so when I found out she’d joined the cast, I was absolutely thrilled.

We developed a really lovely relationship on set, and I always looked forward to the days we were filming together. It was fascinating to watch her transform from the effortless Dame that she is into the dystopian hermit that we know and love as Walk. She’s incredibly inquisitive as an actor, always digging deeper to find the juice of a scene and wisely exploring what will make it the most truthful and engaging. A true inspiration to act with and be alongside. And on top of all that, she’s got a wonderfully wicked sense of humour, which made every day with her even more of a joy.

It’s already been renewed for season 4. Anything you can tease about that?

Now that would be telling! But what I can say is that you are absolutely in for a treat. I still remember reading the first episode of season 4 and thinking, ‘Wow… If this is how we’re starting, we’re in for an epic ride.’ It raises the stakes in all the best ways and keeps expanding the world in really exciting, dangerous and unexpected directions. So that’s all I’m allowed to say… But trust me, strap in!

What has been your favourite project to date?

Outside of Silo, I’d have to say Save Me. It had that same feeling of being part of a real family, where everyone was endlessly committed to the work but also to supporting one another. There was so much trust on set that we’d often improvise in and around the scenes and have a laugh nonstop.

Thanks to Lennie James’ nuanced writing, every character had such a distinct voice and perspective that bringing them together in scenes was so playful. So much of the story unfolded in a cosy pub, which created this wonderful sense of community both on screen and behind the scenes. It was also my first regular role in a TV show so I learnt so much. It’s one of those projects I’ll always look back on with loads of affection.

Any roles in the pipeline that you’re excited about? (If you’re allowed to tell us!)

At the moment, I’m reading a whole range of scripts, having meetings and figuring out what feels like the right next chapter after Silo. In the meantime, I can’t wait for audiences to see season 3 and knowing that season 4 is already on its way next year is incredibly exciting. I feel very lucky that there’s still so much of this story left to share.

Who has been your favourite actor to work with in the past?

One of my favourite days on set was filming my character’s death scene – spoiler! – with Ruth Wilson on His Dark Materials. Ruth was so embedded in the part, much like all the roles we see her play so brilliantly, that the stakes felt very high, and I had enormous respect for that.

We loosely choreographed the action to make sure everything was safe, but within that framework we had the freedom to play and respond to one another in the moment. I always find that the most fulfilling way to work – when you can create a space to explore dialogue or action without things becoming set, so to not feel overly rehearsed or restrictive. Those are the moments that are most exciting as an actor.

Which co-star did you learn the most from?

Stephen Graham… He’s an absolute legend! His passion for the work, his dedication to truth, and the attention he gives to every detail in a script are incredibly inspiring. He cares so deeply about every project he’s involved in, and you can see the impact of that in every performance he gives.

From the moment he arrives on set to the moment he leaves, he’s full of energy, generosity and insight. Just being around someone with that level of commitment makes you raise your own game, and I learnt a huge amount from watching him work. Art and storytelling really matter to him and I couldn’t agree more with that.

What’s your dream role?

I’ve always loved the essence of The Hunger Games trilogy – the energy and power of Katniss Everdeen, who Jennifer Lawrence brought to life so brilliantly. There’s something about the combination of physicality, emotional resilience and quiet strength that really appeals to me. She’s constantly being challenged, forced to adapt and fighting for something bigger than herself, which makes for such a compelling character.

I’d love to play a role with that kind of scale and complexity; those are the kinds of stories and characters that really excite me as an actor.

What’s a genre you’d like to do more of?

Drama will always be at the heart of everything for me, so different settings within that is always my pull. I am constantly inspired by independent filmmakers and would love to return to a period piece. There is something in the language and heart of those worlds that I find so creatively satisfying. I’d also really love to explore a psychological horror – the depth of that genre demands so much from you as an actor, and I’d have a lot of fun diving into a setting like that.

Who is an actor, writer or director you’d love to work with?

Ava DuVernay is a filmmaker I’ve admired for a long time, and I’d love the opportunity to work with her. Everything she creates has such depth, humanity and soul. Her stories explore the complexities of human nature in a way that feels both intimate and extremely powerful, and that’s exactly the kind of storytelling I’m drawn to.

As for actors, Stellan Skarsgård, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and Rose Byrne are up there for me. They’re incredibly versatile and seem to move so effortlessly between drama and comedy. There’s a real sense of play in their performances, and I love actors who are fearless enough to surprise both themselves and the audience. I think working with people like that would be an absolute joy.

Do you get to spend much time at home?

For the past few years, we’ve spent a lot of time away from what we’d usually call home, so it’s been a period of exploring new and different neighbourhoods. Since finishing filming, we’ve planted our feet back in South London, and it’s been really lovely to be home again, surrounded by friends and family.

We’ve just moved into a Victorian house, which have always been my favourite kind of building in London, so it’s been great fun putting our own stamp on it – figuring out what works in the space and slowly making it feel like home. It’s a very happy chapter.

Do you live in the town or the country? Which do you prefer?

Funnily enough, I’ve grown up with a bit of both. My parents are from Yorkshire, so I spent many childhood summers there, but I was raised in London – so I feel very much like I belong to both worlds.

Since meeting my partner Peter, who’s from the West Country, we’ve also spent a lot of time in the Cotswolds, and it’s actually where our eldest son was born, so it holds a very special place for us. At the moment, we’re really enjoying being back in the city, but I think the countryside will always keep calling us back. It’s great to feel at home in both.

What’s your interior design style?

I’d say my style leans towards mid-century modern. I love furniture with real character, clean lines, and rich, deep woods, often paired with little pops of colour to keep things feeling warm and lived in. I tend to take my time when choosing pieces for the home because I love the idea that everything has its own story, memory or meaning attached to it.

Lately, I’ve also found myself drawn more towards Bohemian influences too – bigger, bolder colours and a slightly more eclectic feel. I’m very much here for it, yes please! And if we do head to the countryside at some stage, I’ll be sure to nestle into a gorgeous rustic farmhouse meets cosy cottage aesthetic. I find it all very exciting and inspiring to think about!

How do you find balance in your personal and work lives?

Being outdoors is a big part of it for me. I start to climb the walls if I’m inside for too long – the irony of spending so much time filming in a silo! So, getting outside with family and friends really feels like the perfect counterbalance to being deep in work.

That can mean being in nature, going to the theatre and cinema, or enjoying good food in authentic, independent restaurants. Just yesterday I was sitting outside a lovely family-run café with friends, having coffee and a selection of Nordic buns and honestly, what more could you want!

How can we all live a little bit better?

By talking to each other more, and really connecting – with friends, with strangers, and with the people we come into contact with every day. There’s something powerful about staying curious, open and inquisitive about the world around us.

I feel it’s very easy to become self-focused and forget that we are all part of an enormous, living, breathing vessel that’s been here long before us and will continue long after. So respecting each other and nature is surely the best foundation to operate from?

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally?

My biggest project fast approaching is definitely the arrival of our second child towards the end of the summer, which I couldn’t be more excited about. There’s something truly magical about growing and bringing new life into the world, it’s like nothing else I’ve ever experienced.

Professionally, it’s also an exciting time, with Silo continuing to roll out and lots of interesting things in the mix, but right now I’m very much enjoying focusing on family and what’s just around the corner.

What Remmie Milner Is Loving Right Now

I’m currently watching… Cape Fear on Apple TV

What I’m reading… Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

The last thing I watched (and loved) was… Widow’s Bay on Apple TV and Inter Alia at the National Theatre

What I’m most looking forward to seeing… The Invite by A24 and the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy

Favourite film of all time… Victoria directed by Sebastian Schipper

Favourite song of all time… ‘Next Lifetime’ by Erykah Badu

Band/singer I always have on repeat… Olivia Dean

My ultimate cultural recommendation… To visit the beautiful city of Oaxaca, Mexico. Make your way around the bars, restaurants, street food, galleries and the colourful streets – you will not be disappointed.

Cultural guilty pleasure… Binge-watching Race Across the World and texting my best friend a running commentary on what we’d do if we were on the show!

New episodes of Silo land weekly on Fridays on Apple TV. 

Credits

–Photographer: David Reiss
–Styling: Harriet Nicolson (Levi’s, Gina, Monica Vinader)
–Hair: Liam Curran
–Make-up: Min Sandhu