Award-Winning Creator Gilligan Himself Unveils the Science Fiction Inspirations For The Upcoming Series Pluribus
After an extended hiatus from the science fiction genre, the celebrated showrunner is making a comeback back to where he began. Launching his career on The Iconic X-Files Series, in which he wrote 30 episodes, and also writing the script behind the superhero comedy Hancock, Gilligan devoted the past decade-plus immersed in the universe from Breaking Bad Universe. This fall, with his latest streaming project Pluribus, he returns full circle toward sci-fi which kicked off his journey.
A Mysterious Plot and Vague Trailers
The storyline and concept of Pluribus remain closely guarded. The trailers and teasers are intentionally vague. In one, a brief scene shows a woman by herself in an office at night nonchalantly lifting pastries out of a container marked “Help yourself!” and licking them prior to placing them neatly into the box. Reviewers cannot reveal to say anything regarding the series’ thrilling premiere, beyond the fact the narrative begins when today’s society changes dramatically.
Gilligan’s Sci-Fi Recommendations
Since specifics on the plot or production could not be discussed, the showrunner was asked a simple question: What additional science fiction series or movies should fans watch to prepare before Pluribus?
“Both the 1956 and 1978 versions of Invasion of the Body Snatchers; that’s an excellent reference point,” Gilligan explains. “Twilight Zone, that’s forever my favorite. The Thing, John Carpenter's version. I like both versions, though I especially like the John Carpenter version.”
A Love Letter for Science Fiction Fans
For those who are an admirer of science fiction or scary movies, you will probably recognize the tales that influenced Pluribus. The show’s influences aren’t exactly subtle — and that’s exactly the idea. The creator notes his goal with this series was to riff on sci-fi tropes.
“I was thinking of every science fiction trope and horror-movie trope I could incorporate into this show, before turn all of those tropes onto their head,” he adds. “ That was what tickled me.”
Put simply: Pluribus serves as a sci-fi show for genre lovers. Therefore, if you’re coming the show as a Breaking Bad superfan who’s never been much for science fiction, you may want to complete some preparation beforehand. The showrunner has now offered the curriculum.
Pluribus premieres Nov. 7 via Apple TV+.
