Award-Winning Creator Gilligan Shares His Sci-Fi Influences For The New Series Titled Pluribus
Following a long break from sci-fi storytelling, Vince Gilligan is making a comeback to where he began. Starting out on The X-Files Series, where he penned 30 episodes, plus also writing the script behind the superhero comedy Hancock, the creator has spent the past decade-plus focused on the universe from Breaking Bad Universe. This fall, via his new Apple TV series Pluribus, he’s coming full circle toward the genre which kicked off his journey.
A Mysterious Plot with Cryptic Trailers
The storyline and concept of Pluribus remain top secret. The trailers and teasers are tantalizingly vague. In one, a short clip shows a woman alone at work after hours nonchalantly taking donuts from a container labeled “Help yourself!” and licking each one before placing them carefully back in the box. Reviewers cannot reveal to disclose details regarding the show’s explosive premiere, except the fact the story kicks off when our modern world changes in a significant way.
The Creator’s Sci-Fi Recommendations
Since details on the story or production could not be discussed, the showrunner fielded a simple question: Which additional sci-fi shows or movies ought viewers see to get ready before Pluribus?
“Both the original and the remake adaptations of Body Snatchers; that’s an excellent touchstone,” Gilligan states. “Twilight Zone, that's always my go-to. The Thing, the John Carpenter film. I like both versions, though I particularly love Carpenter’s take.”
An Homage for Sci-Fi Enthusiasts
If you’re a fan of sci-fi or horror, you’ll likely identify the stories that influenced Pluribus. The show’s influences aren’t exactly understated — which is exactly the idea. The creator says his aim with this series was to play with the genre itself.
“My thought process involved of every science fiction trope and horror conventions I could incorporate into this show, and then turn all of those tropes upside down,” he adds. “ That was made me excited.”
Put simply: Pluribus serves as a science fiction series for sci-fi fans. Therefore, if you approach the show being a Breaking Bad superfan who isn’t typically into sci-fi, you may want to complete a bit of homework beforehand. Gilligan just provided the essential watchlist.
Pluribus debuts November 7 on Apple TV.
