Award-Winning Creator Gilligan Reveals the Sci-Fi Influences For The New Series Titled Pluribus
After a long break from the science fiction genre, Vince Gilligan is staging a comeback back to where he began. Starting out on The X-Files Series, where he wrote 30 episodes, and also crafting the script behind the superhero comedy Hancock, Gilligan devoted recent years focused on the universe of Breaking Bad. This fall, via his new streaming series Pluribus, he returns back home toward sci-fi which launched his journey.
A Mysterious Plot and Vague Trailers
The storyline and premise for Pluribus remain closely guarded. Promotional clips and teasers are intentionally ambiguous. In one, a short clip depicts a woman by herself in an office at night calmly taking donuts from a box labeled “Help yourself!” then tasting each one prior to placing the treats neatly into the box. Critics aren’t allowed to disclose details regarding the series’ thrilling premiere, except that the narrative kicks off when today’s society transforms dramatically.
The Creator’s Sci-Fi Recommendations
Because specifics on the story or production could not be discussed, the showrunner fielded an innocuous question: Which other science fiction series or films should fans watch to prepare before Pluribus?
“Each of the original and the remake versions of Invasion of the Body Snatchers; that's a good reference point,” Gilligan states. “Twilight Zone, that's always my favorite. The Thing, the John Carpenter version. I like each one, but I especially like the John Carpenter version.”
A Love Letter for Sci-Fi Fans
For those who are a fan of sci-fi or horror, you will probably identify the tales that influenced Pluribus. The show’s influences aren’t exactly understated — which is exactly the idea. Gilligan notes his aim for this series was to riff on the genre itself.
“I was thinking of all the science fiction trope and horror-movie trope I could throw into this show, before flip all of those tropes onto their head,” Gilligan adds. “ That was what tickled me.”
In other words: Pluribus serves as a sci-fi show for genre lovers. Therefore, if you’re coming the show as a Breaking Bad devotee who isn’t typically much for science fiction, it’s wise to do some preparation in advance. Gilligan just provided the essential watchlist.
Pluribus debuts November 7 on Apple TV.
