Award-Winning Creator Gilligan Himself Unveils the Sci-Fi Inspirations Behind His New Series Pluribus
Following a long break away from sci-fi storytelling, the celebrated showrunner is staging a return to where he began. Launching his career with The Iconic X-Files, where he penned three dozen installments, plus even writing the script for Will Smith’s film Hancock, Gilligan devoted recent years immersed in the universe of Breaking Bad Universe. Now, with his latest streaming series Pluribus, he returns back home to the genre that kicked off his journey.
A Mysterious Plot and Vague Teasers
The plot and concept for Pluribus are closely guarded. Promotional clips and previews have all been tantalizingly vague. For example, a short clip depicts a woman by herself in an office at night calmly taking pastries from a box labeled “Help yourself!” then tasting them prior to placing them neatly into its place. Reviewers aren’t allowed to say details about the series’ explosive first episode, except that the narrative kicks off as today’s society transforms dramatically.
The Creator’s Sci-Fi Watchlist
Because details about the plot or production could not be discussed, the showrunner was asked an innocuous inquiry: What additional science fiction series or films ought viewers watch to prepare before Pluribus?
“Each of the original and the remake adaptations from Invasion of the Body Snatchers; that's a good reference point,” Gilligan explains. “Twilight Zone, that's always my favorite. The Thing, John Carpenter's film. I like each one, but I particularly love Carpenter’s take.”
A Love Letter for Sci-Fi Fans
If you’re 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. The creator notes his aim with the new show was to play with sci-fi tropes.
“I was thinking of every science fiction trope and horror conventions I could incorporate into this show, before turn all of those tropes onto their head,” Gilligan adds. “ That’s what what tickled me.”
Put simply: Pluribus is a science fiction series aimed at genre lovers. So if you’re coming the show being a Breaking Bad superfan who isn’t typically much for science fiction, you may want to do some preparation beforehand. The showrunner has now offered the essential watchlist.
Pluribus debuts November 7 via Apple TV+.
