Award-Winning Creator Gilligan Himself Reveals the Science Fiction Influences For The New Series Pluribus
After an extended hiatus away from the science fiction genre, Vince Gilligan is staging a comeback to where he began. Starting out on The X-Files Series, where he wrote three dozen installments, plus also crafting the script behind the superhero comedy Hancock, Gilligan has spent the past decade-plus immersed in the world from Breaking Bad. Now, with his latest Apple TV project Pluribus, he returns full circle toward the genre that launched his journey.
A Secretive Premise with Vague Teasers
The storyline and concept of Pluribus are top secret. Promotional clips and teasers are tantalizingly ambiguous. In one, a short clip depicts a female character alone in an office after hours nonchalantly taking pastries out of a container marked “Help yourself!” and licking them prior to returning them carefully back in its place. Reviewers cannot reveal to say details regarding the show’s thrilling premiere, except the fact the story begins when today’s society changes dramatically.
The Creator’s Sci-Fi Recommendations
Since specifics on the story or development could not be discussed, the showrunner fielded an innocuous question: What other sci-fi shows or movies should viewers see to prepare for Pluribus?
“Both the original and the remake adaptations of Body Snatchers; that’s an excellent touchstone,” he explains. “Twilight Zone, that's always my go-to. The Thing, the John Carpenter film. I enjoy both versions, though I especially like the John Carpenter version.”
An Homage for Science Fiction Enthusiasts
For those who are an admirer of science fiction or scary movies, you will probably identify the stories that influenced Pluribus. Its inspirations are far from understated — and that’s the point. The creator notes his goal for this series was to play with sci-fi tropes.
“I was thinking of every science fiction trope and horror conventions I could incorporate into this show, before turn each one upside down,” Gilligan adds. “ That was made me excited.”
In other words: Pluribus serves as a sci-fi show for sci-fi fans. So if you approach the show being a Breaking Bad superfan who’s never been into science fiction, you may want to complete a bit of homework beforehand. The showrunner has now offered the essential watchlist.
Pluribus debuts November 7 via Apple TV+.
