Award-Winning Creator Gilligan Unveils the Sci-Fi Influences Behind His Upcoming Show Pluribus
After a long break from the science fiction genre, Vince Gilligan is making a comeback back to where he began. Starting out with The X-Files Series, where he wrote 30 episodes, and also crafting the screenplay for Will Smith’s film Hancock, the creator devoted the past decade-plus immersed in the universe from Breaking Bad. Now, via his latest Apple TV series Pluribus, he returns back home toward the genre that kicked off his journey.
A Secretive Plot with Cryptic Trailers
The plot and concept of Pluribus are top secret. The trailers and previews have all been intentionally ambiguous. In one, a short clip shows a woman by herself in an office after hours nonchalantly taking donuts from a container marked “Help yourself!” and licking each one before returning the treats neatly back in its place. Reviewers aren’t allowed to say details about the show’s explosive premiere, beyond that the narrative kicks off when today’s society transforms dramatically.
The Creator’s Science Fiction Recommendations
Since details about the plot or production could not be discussed, the showrunner was asked an innocuous question: Which additional sci-fi shows or movies should fans see to get ready for Pluribus?
“Both the original and the remake versions of Invasion of the Body Snatchers; that's a good reference point,” he explains. “The Twilight Zone, that’s forever my favorite. The Thing, the John Carpenter film. I enjoy both versions, but I particularly love the John Carpenter version.”
A Love Letter to Sci-Fi Enthusiasts
If you’re a fan of science fiction or scary movies, you will probably recognize the tales inspiring Pluribus. The show’s influences aren’t exactly understated — and that’s the point. The creator notes his goal for this series was to play with sci-fi tropes.
“My thought process involved of all the sci-fi clichés and horror-movie trope I could throw into the series, and then turn each one upside down,” Gilligan adds. “ That was made me excited.”
In other words: Pluribus is a sci-fi show for genre lovers. Therefore, if you approach to it as a Breaking Bad devotee who’s never been into science fiction, it’s wise to do some preparation beforehand. Gilligan just provided the essential watchlist.
Pluribus premieres November 7 on Apple TV+.