Award-Winning Creator Gilligan Himself Reveals the Sci-Fi Influences For The Upcoming Show Pluribus
Following an extended hiatus away from sci-fi storytelling, Vince Gilligan is staging a comeback back to his roots. Starting out with The Iconic X-Files Series, in which he wrote 30 episodes, plus even crafting the screenplay for the superhero comedy Hancock, the creator has spent the past decade-plus focused on the world from Breaking Bad Universe. Now, with his new Apple TV series Pluribus, he returns back home to sci-fi which launched his journey.
A Mysterious Premise and Vague Teasers
The plot and premise of Pluribus are closely guarded. Promotional clips and previews are intentionally vague. In one, a short clip depicts a female character by herself at work after hours nonchalantly taking donuts out of a container marked “Feel free!” and licking each one prior to placing the treats carefully into the box. Reviewers aren’t allowed to say anything about the series’ explosive first episode, beyond the fact the story kicks off as today’s society changes in a significant way.
Gilligan’s Sci-Fi Watchlist
Since specifics about the plot or production could not be discussed, Gilligan was asked a simple inquiry: Which other science fiction series or films should viewers watch to prepare before Pluribus?
“Each of the original and the remake versions of Body Snatchers; that’s an excellent touchstone,” Gilligan explains. “The Twilight Zone, that’s forever my go-to. The Thing, the John Carpenter version. I like both versions, though I especially like Carpenter’s take.”
An Homage to Sci-Fi Enthusiasts
For those who are an admirer of sci-fi or horror, you’ll likely recognize the tales that influenced Pluribus. The show’s influences are far from understated — and that’s exactly the idea. The creator notes his aim for this series was to play with sci-fi tropes.
“My thought process involved of all the science fiction trope and horror conventions I could throw into this show, and then flip each one onto their head,” he says. “ That was what tickled me.”
Put simply: Pluribus serves as a sci-fi show for genre lovers. Therefore, if you approach to it as a Breaking Bad superfan who’s never been into science fiction, you may want to complete a bit of homework beforehand. Gilligan just provided the essential watchlist.
Pluribus premieres Nov. 7 on Apple TV+.
