Vince Gilligan Unveils the Science Fiction Influences Behind His New Series Titled Pluribus
After a long break from the science fiction genre, Vince Gilligan is staging a return back to where he began. Starting out on The X-Files Series, where he penned three dozen installments, and also crafting the screenplay for the superhero comedy Hancock, the creator devoted the past decade-plus immersed in the universe of Breaking Bad Universe. This fall, with his new streaming project Pluribus, he returns full circle toward sci-fi that launched his journey.
A Secretive Plot with Cryptic Teasers
The storyline and concept for Pluribus remain top secret. Promotional clips and previews are tantalizingly ambiguous. In one, a brief scene shows a woman by herself in an office after hours nonchalantly taking pastries out of a container marked “Help yourself!” then tasting them prior to returning them neatly back in its place. Reviewers aren’t allowed to say details regarding the series’ explosive premiere, beyond that the story kicks off when today’s society changes dramatically.
The Creator’s Science Fiction Watchlist
Since specifics about the plot or development could not be discussed, the showrunner fielded an innocuous inquiry: What other sci-fi shows or films ought fans watch to get ready for Pluribus?
“Both the original and the remake versions of Invasion of the Body Snatchers; that’s an excellent reference point,” Gilligan explains. “Twilight Zone, that’s forever my go-to. The Thing, John Carpenter's film. I like both versions, but I particularly love the John Carpenter version.”
An Homage for Sci-Fi Fans
If you’re a fan of science fiction or scary movies, you’ll likely recognize the tales that influenced Pluribus. The show’s influences are far from understated — which is exactly the idea. Gilligan says his goal for the new show was to play with the genre itself.
“My thought process involved of every sci-fi clichés and horror conventions I could throw into this show, and then turn each one onto their head,” Gilligan says. “ That’s what made me excited.”
Put simply: Pluribus is a sci-fi show for sci-fi fans. So if you approach the show being a Breaking Bad superfan who isn’t typically much for science fiction, you may want to do a bit of homework beforehand. The showrunner has now offered the essential watchlist.
Pluribus debuts November 7 on Apple TV.