Award-Winning Creator Gilligan Himself Shares His Science Fiction Inspirations For His Upcoming Series Pluribus
Following a long break from sci-fi storytelling, Vince Gilligan is making a return to where he began. Starting out with The Iconic X-Files Series, in which he penned three dozen installments, plus even writing the script behind Will Smith’s film Hancock, Gilligan devoted recent years immersed in the world from Breaking Bad. Now, via his new streaming project Pluribus, he’s coming back home to sci-fi that launched his journey.
A Mysterious Plot with Cryptic Teasers
The storyline and concept for Pluribus remain closely guarded. The trailers and previews have all been tantalizingly vague. In one, a brief scene shows a female character alone at work after hours calmly taking donuts out of a box marked “Feel free!” and licking them prior to placing them neatly into its place. Reviewers cannot reveal to say anything about the series’ explosive premiere, except that the story kicks off when today’s society changes dramatically.
The Creator’s Science Fiction Recommendations
Since details about the plot or development could not be discussed, Gilligan was asked an innocuous inquiry: What other sci-fi shows or films ought viewers watch to prepare before Pluribus?
“Each of the original and the remake adaptations of Body Snatchers; that’s an excellent reference point,” Gilligan explains. “Twilight Zone, that's always my favorite. The Thing, the John Carpenter film. I like each one, though I especially like Carpenter’s take.”
A Love Letter to Science Fiction Fans
For those who are a fan of sci-fi or horror, you’ll likely identify the tales that influenced Pluribus. Its inspirations aren’t exactly understated — which is the point. Gilligan says his goal with the new show was to play with the genre itself.
“My thought process involved of all the science fiction trope and horror conventions I could throw into this show, and then flip each one upside down,” he adds. “ That was made me excited.”
In other words: Pluribus is a sci-fi show for sci-fi fans. Therefore, if you approach to it as a Breaking Bad devotee who’s never been much for sci-fi, it’s wise to do some preparation beforehand. The showrunner has now offered the curriculum.
Pluribus premieres Nov. 7 on Apple TV.
