Vince Gilligan Reveals the Sci-Fi Influences For The New Show Titled Pluribus
Following a long break away from the science fiction genre, Vince Gilligan is making a return back to his roots. Starting out with The X-Files Series, where he penned three dozen installments, plus also crafting the screenplay for Will Smith’s film Hancock, the creator devoted the past decade-plus focused on the world from Breaking Bad Universe. Now, with his latest streaming series Pluribus, he returns back home toward the genre that launched his career.
A Secretive Plot and Cryptic Teasers
The plot and premise for Pluribus are top secret. The trailers and teasers are intentionally vague. In one, a brief scene shows a woman by herself in an office at night nonchalantly lifting donuts out of a box labeled “Feel free!” and licking each one before placing them carefully into its place. Critics cannot reveal to disclose details about the show’s thrilling first episode, beyond that the narrative kicks off as today’s society changes in a significant way.
The Creator’s Sci-Fi Recommendations
Because details on the story or production were off-limits, the showrunner was asked a simple question: What additional sci-fi shows or movies ought viewers see to get ready before Pluribus?
“Each of the 1956 and 1978 versions from Body Snatchers; that's a good touchstone,” he states. “Twilight Zone, that’s forever my go-to. The Thing, the John Carpenter film. I enjoy both versions, but I particularly love the John Carpenter version.”
An Homage for Sci-Fi Enthusiasts
For those who are a fan of sci-fi or horror, you’ll likely identify the tales inspiring Pluribus. Its inspirations aren’t exactly understated — which is exactly the idea. Gilligan notes his goal with this series was to riff on the genre itself.
“My thought process involved of every science fiction trope and horror conventions I could throw into the series, and then turn all of those tropes upside down,” he adds. “ That was made me excited.”
Put simply: Pluribus serves as a sci-fi show for genre lovers. So if you’re coming to it as a Breaking Bad devotee who isn’t typically into science fiction, it’s wise to do a bit of homework beforehand. Gilligan has now offered the essential watchlist.
Pluribus debuts Nov. 7 on Apple TV+.
