Vince Gilligan Reveals His Sci-Fi Inspirations Behind The New Show Pluribus
Following an extended hiatus from sci-fi storytelling, Vince Gilligan is staging a comeback back to where he began. Launching his career with The Iconic X-Files Series, in which he wrote three dozen installments, plus also writing the script behind Will Smith’s film Hancock, Gilligan devoted recent years focused on the universe from Breaking Bad. This fall, via his latest Apple TV project Pluribus, he’s coming back home to the genre that kicked off his career.
A Secretive Plot and Vague Teasers
The storyline and concept of Pluribus remain top secret. Promotional clips and teasers are tantalizingly vague. In one, a brief scene depicts a female character by herself at work after hours calmly taking pastries out of a box marked “Help yourself!” and licking them prior to returning the treats carefully back in its place. Reviewers aren’t allowed to disclose anything about the series’ thrilling premiere, beyond that the story kicks off as today’s society changes dramatically.
Gilligan’s Science Fiction Watchlist
Since details on the plot or production could not be discussed, Gilligan was asked a simple inquiry: What other science fiction series or films ought viewers watch to get ready for Pluribus?
“Both the original and the remake versions from Body Snatchers; that’s an excellent touchstone,” he states. “Twilight Zone, that's always my favorite. The Thing, the John Carpenter film. I like each one, though I particularly love Carpenter’s take.”
A Love Letter to Science Fiction Enthusiasts
For those who are an admirer of science fiction or scary movies, you will probably identify the stories inspiring Pluribus. The show’s influences are far from understated — which is the point. Gilligan says his aim for the new show was to play with the genre itself.
“I was thinking of all the sci-fi clichés and horror conventions I could incorporate into this show, before flip each one upside down,” Gilligan adds. “ That was what tickled me.”
Put simply: Pluribus is a science fiction series aimed at sci-fi fans. Therefore, if you approach to it being a Breaking Bad devotee who isn’t typically into sci-fi, it’s wise to do some preparation in advance. The showrunner has now offered the essential watchlist.
Pluribus premieres Nov. 7 via Apple TV.
