Vince Gilligan Himself Shares His Science Fiction Influences Behind His New Series Pluribus
Following an extended hiatus away from the science fiction genre, the celebrated showrunner is making a return to his roots. Starting out on The X-Files, in which he penned 30 episodes, and also writing the script behind the superhero comedy Hancock, the creator devoted the past decade-plus immersed in the universe from Breaking Bad. This fall, via his new streaming series Pluribus, he’s coming back home toward sci-fi which launched his journey.
A Mysterious Plot with Cryptic Teasers
The storyline and concept for Pluribus remain closely guarded. Promotional clips and teasers are intentionally vague. For example, a short clip depicts a woman alone in an office after hours nonchalantly taking donuts out of a container labeled “Feel free!” and licking them before placing them carefully back in the box. Critics cannot reveal to disclose anything about the series’ thrilling premiere, beyond that the narrative kicks off when today’s society transforms in a significant way.
Gilligan’s Sci-Fi Recommendations
Since specifics about the story or development were off-limits, the showrunner fielded a simple inquiry: Which additional science fiction series or films ought fans see to get ready for Pluribus?
“Each of the original and the remake versions from Body Snatchers; that's a good reference point,” he explains. “The Twilight Zone, that’s forever my go-to. The Thing, the John Carpenter version. I enjoy each one, though I particularly love Carpenter’s take.”
An Homage for Science Fiction Enthusiasts
If you’re an admirer of sci-fi or horror, you will probably identify the stories that influenced Pluribus. The show’s influences are far from understated — and that’s exactly the idea. The creator says his aim for this series was to play with sci-fi tropes.
“I was thinking of all the sci-fi clichés and horror conventions I could incorporate into this show, and then flip each one upside down,” he says. “ That’s what made me excited.”
In other words: Pluribus serves as a sci-fi show aimed at sci-fi fans. Therefore, if you’re coming to it as a Breaking Bad superfan who isn’t typically much for sci-fi, you may want to complete a bit of homework in advance. Gilligan just provided the curriculum.
Pluribus debuts November 7 via Apple TV+.
