Vince Gilligan Reveals His Science Fiction Influences Behind His Upcoming Series Titled Pluribus
Following an extended hiatus from the science fiction genre, the celebrated showrunner is staging a return to his roots. Launching his career with The Iconic X-Files Series, where he wrote 30 episodes, plus also writing the screenplay for the superhero comedy Hancock, the creator devoted recent years focused on the universe of Breaking Bad. This fall, via his new Apple TV series Pluribus, he’s coming back home toward the genre that kicked off his journey.
A Secretive Premise and Vague Teasers
The plot and premise of Pluribus are closely guarded. The trailers and teasers are tantalizingly vague. In one, a short clip depicts a woman alone in an office after hours calmly taking pastries from a container labeled “Feel free!” and licking them before returning the treats carefully back in the box. Reviewers cannot reveal to say details about the series’ thrilling premiere, beyond the fact the story kicks off as today’s society transforms in a significant way.
The Creator’s Sci-Fi Recommendations
Because specifics on the plot or development were off-limits, Gilligan was asked an innocuous question: What additional sci-fi shows or films should fans watch to prepare before Pluribus?
“Both the 1956 and 1978 adaptations from Invasion of the Body Snatchers; that's a good reference point,” Gilligan states. “The Twilight Zone, that's always my go-to. The Thing, the John Carpenter film. I enjoy both versions, though I especially like the John Carpenter version.”
A Love Letter for Science Fiction Enthusiasts
For those who are a fan of science fiction or scary movies, you will probably identify the stories inspiring Pluribus. The show’s influences aren’t exactly subtle — which is the point. The creator says his goal with this series was to riff on sci-fi tropes.
“My thought process involved of every sci-fi clichés and horror-movie trope I could throw into this show, before turn each one upside down,” Gilligan says. “ That’s what made me excited.”
Put simply: Pluribus serves as a sci-fi show for genre lovers. Therefore, if you’re coming to it being a Breaking Bad superfan who isn’t typically much for science fiction, it’s wise to do a bit of homework in advance. Gilligan just provided the curriculum.
Pluribus premieres Nov. 7 on Apple TV.
