Award-Winning Creator Gilligan Unveils His Science Fiction Influences Behind The New Series Titled Pluribus
After an extended hiatus from sci-fi storytelling, Vince Gilligan is staging a comeback back to his roots. Launching his career on The Iconic X-Files, in which he wrote 30 episodes, and also crafting the screenplay behind the superhero comedy Hancock, Gilligan devoted recent years immersed in the world of Breaking Bad Universe. Now, with his latest Apple TV project Pluribus, he returns back home toward sci-fi that launched his career.
A Secretive Premise with Vague Teasers
The plot and concept for Pluribus are top secret. The trailers and previews are intentionally vague. In one, a brief scene shows a woman alone at work at night nonchalantly lifting donuts out of a container labeled “Help yourself!” then tasting each one prior to placing the treats carefully back in the box. Reviewers aren’t allowed to say anything about the series’ thrilling first episode, except the fact the story kicks off when today’s society changes in a significant way.
The Creator’s Sci-Fi Watchlist
Since specifics about the plot or production could not be discussed, Gilligan fielded an innocuous inquiry: What additional science fiction series or movies ought viewers watch to prepare for Pluribus?
“Both the 1956 and 1978 adaptations from Invasion of the Body Snatchers; that’s an excellent reference point,” he states. “Twilight Zone, that's always my favorite. The Thing, the John Carpenter film. I like each one, though I especially like the John Carpenter version.”
An Homage for Science Fiction Fans
If you’re a fan of sci-fi or horror, you will probably recognize the tales inspiring Pluribus. Its inspirations aren’t exactly understated — which is the point. Gilligan says his aim with this series was to play with sci-fi tropes.
“I was thinking of every sci-fi clichés and horror-movie trope I could incorporate into the series, before flip all of those tropes onto their head,” Gilligan says. “ That was what tickled me.”
In other words: Pluribus serves as a science fiction series for genre lovers. Therefore, if you’re coming the show being a Breaking Bad superfan who’s never been into science fiction, it’s wise to complete some preparation in advance. Gilligan has now offered the essential watchlist.
Pluribus debuts Nov. 7 via Apple TV+.
