Award-Winning Creator Gilligan Himself Unveils the Science Fiction Inspirations Behind The New Series Titled Pluribus
Following an extended hiatus away from sci-fi storytelling, Vince Gilligan is staging a return to his roots. Launching his career on The X-Files, in which he penned 30 episodes, and even writing the script for Will Smithâs film Hancock, the creator devoted recent years focused on the universe from Breaking Bad Universe. Now, with his latest streaming project Pluribus, he returns back home to the genre that kicked off his career.
A Mysterious Plot and Vague Teasers
The storyline and premise for Pluribus remain top secret. The trailers and previews are intentionally vague. For example, a brief scene shows a female character by herself at work at night nonchalantly taking donuts from a box marked âHelp yourself!â then tasting each one prior to placing them neatly into the box. Critics cannot reveal to disclose anything about the showâs thrilling premiere, except the fact the story begins as todayâs society transforms in a significant way.
The Creatorâs Science Fiction Watchlist
Because specifics about the story or production were off-limits, the showrunner fielded an innocuous inquiry: What additional science fiction series or films should fans see to prepare before Pluribus?
âEach of the original and the remake versions from Body Snatchers; that's a good touchstone,â he states. âTwilight Zone, that's always my go-to. The Thing, John Carpenter's version. I like both versions, but I especially like Carpenterâs take.â
An Homage to Science Fiction Enthusiasts
If youâre an admirer of sci-fi or horror, youâll likely recognize the tales that influenced Pluribus. Its inspirations are far from understated â which is the point. Gilligan says his aim for this series was to riff on sci-fi tropes.
âMy thought process involved of every science fiction trope and horror conventions I could incorporate into the series, before turn each one onto their head,â he says. â That was what tickled me.â
In other words: Pluribus serves as a sci-fi show aimed at sci-fi fans. So if you approach to it as a Breaking Bad superfan whoâs never been into sci-fi, itâs wise to do a bit of homework in advance. Gilligan just provided the essential watchlist.
Pluribus premieres Nov. 7 via Apple TV+.
