Following a long break away from the science fiction genre, Vince Gilligan is staging a comeback back to his roots. Starting out with The Iconic X-Files Series, where he penned 30 episodes, plus even writing the script for the superhero comedy Hancock, Gilligan has spent recent years immersed in the universe from Breaking Bad. Now, with his new streaming series Pluribus, he’s coming full circle to sci-fi that launched his career.
A Mysterious Premise with Vague Trailers
The plot and premise of Pluribus remain top secret. Promotional clips and teasers are tantalizingly ambiguous. For example, a short clip shows a female character alone at work after hours nonchalantly taking pastries from a box labeled “Help yourself!” and licking them before returning them neatly back in its place. Critics cannot reveal to say details about the series’ thrilling premiere, except the fact the story begins when our modern world transforms in a significant way.
The Creator’s Science Fiction Watchlist
Since specifics about the plot or production were off-limits, Gilligan fielded an innocuous question: What additional science fiction series or films ought fans watch to get ready for Pluribus?
“Each of the 1956 and 1978 versions from Invasion of the Body Snatchers; that's a good reference point,” Gilligan states. “Twilight Zone, that's always my go-to. The Thing, the John Carpenter version. I like both versions, though I particularly love Carpenter’s take.”
A Love Letter for Science Fiction Enthusiasts
If you’re an admirer of science fiction or scary movies, you’ll likely recognize the tales that influenced Pluribus. The show’s influences are far from understated — and that’s the point. Gilligan says his aim for this series was to play with sci-fi tropes.
“My thought process involved of every sci-fi clichés and horror-movie trope I could incorporate into this show, and then turn all of those tropes onto their head,” Gilligan adds. “ That’s what made me excited.”
Put simply: Pluribus serves as a science fiction series for sci-fi fans. So if you’re coming to it as a Breaking Bad devotee who’s never been much for sci-fi, you may want to complete some preparation beforehand. The showrunner has now offered the curriculum.
Pluribus premieres November 7 on Apple TV+.
