Vince Gilligan Unveils His Science Fiction Influences For The Upcoming Series Titled Pluribus
Following a long break away from the science fiction genre, Vince Gilligan is staging a comeback back to where he began. Starting out with The X-Files Series, in which he wrote 30 episodes, and even crafting the screenplay behind the superhero comedy Hancock, Gilligan devoted recent years focused on the universe from Breaking Bad Universe. This fall, via his new Apple TV project Pluribus, he returns back home to sci-fi which kicked off his journey.
A Secretive Premise and Vague Trailers
The storyline and premise for Pluribus remain closely guarded. Promotional clips and teasers have all been intentionally vague. In one, a brief scene shows a female character alone at work after hours calmly lifting donuts from a box labeled “Feel free!” then tasting them before placing them neatly back in the box. Critics cannot reveal to disclose anything regarding the show’s thrilling premiere, beyond the fact the story kicks off as today’s society transforms dramatically.
Gilligan’s Science Fiction Watchlist
Since specifics on the story or production were off-limits, the showrunner was asked a simple inquiry: What other science fiction series or films ought viewers see to prepare before Pluribus?
“Both the 1956 and 1978 adaptations from Body Snatchers; that’s an excellent touchstone,” Gilligan explains. “Twilight Zone, that's always my favorite. The Thing, the John Carpenter version. I like both versions, though I especially like the John Carpenter version.”
A Love Letter to Sci-Fi Enthusiasts
For those who are a fan of science fiction or scary movies, you will probably recognize the stories inspiring Pluribus. Its inspirations are far from subtle — and that’s exactly the idea. The creator says his aim for the new show was to riff on the genre itself.
“I was thinking of all the science fiction trope and horror conventions I could incorporate into the series, before turn each one upside down,” Gilligan adds. “ That’s what what tickled me.”
Put simply: Pluribus serves as a science fiction series aimed at genre lovers. So if you approach the show as a Breaking Bad superfan who isn’t typically into sci-fi, it’s wise to complete some preparation in advance. Gilligan just provided the curriculum.
Pluribus premieres November 7 on Apple TV+.
