Award-Winning Creator Gilligan Reveals the Sci-Fi Inspirations For His Upcoming Series Pluribus
After an extended hiatus from the science fiction genre, Vince Gilligan is staging a return to where he began. Starting out with The X-Files, in which he wrote three dozen installments, and also crafting the script behind the superhero comedy Hancock, the creator devoted recent years immersed in the universe from Breaking Bad Universe. This fall, via his new streaming series Pluribus, he returns back home to the genre which launched his career.
A Mysterious Plot and Vague Teasers
The plot and premise of Pluribus remain top secret. The trailers and previews have all been intentionally vague. In one, a brief scene shows a female character by herself at work after hours nonchalantly taking pastries out of a box marked “Feel free!” then tasting them before returning the treats neatly back in the box. Reviewers aren’t allowed to disclose details about the show’s thrilling first episode, beyond the fact the story begins as our modern world transforms in a significant way.
The Creator’s Sci-Fi Watchlist
Because details on the plot or production could not be discussed, the showrunner fielded a simple inquiry: Which additional sci-fi shows or movies should fans see to get ready for Pluribus?
“Both the 1956 and 1978 versions of Invasion of the Body Snatchers; that’s an excellent touchstone,” he states. “The Twilight Zone, that’s forever my favorite. The Thing, John Carpenter's version. I enjoy both versions, but I especially like Carpenter’s take.”
A Love Letter for Sci-Fi Fans
For those who are a fan of science fiction or scary movies, you’ll likely recognize the tales inspiring Pluribus. The show’s influences are far from understated — and that’s the point. Gilligan notes his goal for the new show was to play with sci-fi tropes.
“My thought process involved of every sci-fi clichés and horror conventions I could incorporate into the series, before turn all of those tropes upside down,” he says. “ That was what tickled me.”
In other words: Pluribus serves as a sci-fi show aimed at genre lovers. Therefore, if you’re coming to it as a Breaking Bad superfan who isn’t typically much for science fiction, you may want to do some preparation beforehand. Gilligan just provided the curriculum.
Pluribus premieres November 7 via Apple TV+.
