Award-Winning Creator Gilligan Shares His Sci-Fi Influences Behind The New Show Pluribus
Following an extended hiatus away from the science fiction genre, the celebrated showrunner is making a comeback back to where he began. Launching his career on The X-Files Series, where he wrote 30 episodes, and even writing the script behind Will Smith’s film Hancock, the creator has spent the past decade-plus immersed in the world from Breaking Bad Universe. Now, with his latest streaming series Pluribus, he returns full circle toward sci-fi which kicked off his career.
A Secretive Plot and Cryptic Trailers
The plot and concept of Pluribus remain top secret. Promotional clips and previews have all been intentionally vague. In one, a short clip shows a female character by herself at work after hours nonchalantly taking pastries from a box marked “Help yourself!” and licking each one prior to returning them neatly back in its place. Critics aren’t allowed to say details regarding the series’ thrilling first episode, except the fact the story begins as today’s society changes in a significant way.
The Creator’s Science Fiction Recommendations
Because specifics on the plot or development could not be discussed, the showrunner fielded an innocuous question: Which additional science fiction series or films should fans watch to get ready before Pluribus?
“Both the original and the remake versions from Invasion of the Body Snatchers; that's a good reference point,” he states. “The Twilight Zone, that’s forever my favorite. The Thing, John Carpenter's version. I like both versions, but I especially like the John Carpenter version.”
A Love Letter for Science Fiction Enthusiasts
If you’re a fan of science fiction or scary movies, you will probably identify the tales that influenced Pluribus. Its inspirations aren’t exactly subtle — and that’s exactly the idea. Gilligan says his aim with this series was to riff on sci-fi tropes.
“My thought process involved of every sci-fi clichés and horror conventions I could incorporate into this show, and then turn each one upside down,” Gilligan says. “ That was what tickled me.”
Put simply: Pluribus is a sci-fi show for genre lovers. Therefore, if you’re coming to it as a Breaking Bad devotee who isn’t typically much for sci-fi, it’s wise to complete a bit of homework beforehand. The showrunner has now offered the curriculum.
Pluribus premieres November 7 on Apple TV+.
