Award-Winning Creator Gilligan Unveils His Sci-Fi Inspirations Behind The Upcoming Show Titled Pluribus
Following a long break away from the science fiction genre, Vince Gilligan is staging a return to his roots. Starting out on The X-Files, where he wrote three dozen installments, and even writing the script behind Will Smith’s film Hancock, Gilligan has spent recent years focused on the world from Breaking Bad Universe. Now, via his latest streaming project Pluribus, he’s coming back home toward the genre which kicked off his career.
A Secretive Premise and Vague Trailers
The storyline and concept of Pluribus remain closely guarded. Promotional clips and teasers are intentionally vague. In one, a short clip depicts a female character alone at work at night nonchalantly lifting pastries from a container marked “Help yourself!” then tasting each one before placing them neatly back in its place. Critics aren’t allowed to say anything regarding the show’s thrilling first episode, except that the story begins when our modern world changes dramatically.
Gilligan’s Science Fiction Watchlist
Since specifics about the plot or development could not be discussed, the showrunner was asked an innocuous question: Which additional sci-fi shows or movies ought viewers watch to get ready for Pluribus?
“Each of the 1956 and 1978 adaptations from Invasion of the Body Snatchers; that's a good reference point,” he explains. “Twilight Zone, that's always my favorite. The Thing, the John Carpenter version. I like both versions, though I especially like the John Carpenter version.”
An Homage for Sci-Fi Enthusiasts
If you’re a fan of sci-fi or horror, you will probably recognize the stories inspiring Pluribus. The show’s influences aren’t exactly subtle — and that’s exactly the idea. Gilligan says his aim with this series was to riff on the genre itself.
“My thought process involved of every science fiction trope and horror conventions I could throw into this show, before flip all of those tropes upside down,” he adds. “ That’s what what tickled me.”
Put simply: Pluribus is a sci-fi show for sci-fi fans. So if you’re coming the show being a Breaking Bad superfan who’s never been much for sci-fi, it’s wise to complete a bit of homework beforehand. Gilligan has now offered the essential watchlist.
Pluribus debuts November 7 via Apple TV.
