Vince Gilligan Reveals the Science Fiction Influences For His Upcoming Series Pluribus
After an extended hiatus from the science fiction genre, the celebrated showrunner is staging a return to where he began. Starting out on The X-Files, in which he penned three dozen installments, and even writing the screenplay for the superhero comedy Hancock, Gilligan devoted the past decade-plus immersed in the world of Breaking Bad Universe. This fall, via his latest Apple TV series Pluribus, he returns full circle to sci-fi which launched his career.
A Mysterious Plot and Cryptic Teasers
The storyline and concept of Pluribus are top secret. Promotional clips and previews are tantalizingly vague. In one, a brief scene shows a woman alone at work after hours nonchalantly taking donuts from a box marked “Feel free!” and licking them prior to placing the treats carefully back in the box. Critics aren’t allowed to disclose details regarding the series’ thrilling first episode, beyond that the story kicks off as our modern world transforms in a significant way.
Gilligan’s Science Fiction Recommendations
Since details on the story or development were off-limits, the showrunner was asked an innocuous inquiry: Which other sci-fi shows or movies ought viewers see to get ready before Pluribus?
“Both the 1956 and 1978 versions from Body Snatchers; that's a good touchstone,” he states. “The Twilight Zone, that’s forever my favorite. The Thing, the John Carpenter version. I enjoy each one, but I particularly love Carpenter’s take.”
An Homage for Science Fiction Fans
If you’re a fan of science fiction or scary movies, you’ll likely identify the tales inspiring Pluribus. The show’s influences aren’t exactly subtle — and that’s the point. The creator notes his aim for the new show was to play with the genre itself.
“I was thinking of all the sci-fi clichés and horror-movie trope I could throw into this show, before turn each one upside down,” Gilligan adds. “ That was what tickled me.”
Put simply: Pluribus is a science fiction series aimed at genre lovers. So if you’re coming the show being a Breaking Bad superfan who isn’t typically into science fiction, it’s wise to complete a bit of homework in advance. Gilligan has now offered the essential watchlist.
Pluribus premieres November 7 via Apple TV.
