Award-Winning Creator Gilligan Reveals the Science Fiction Influences For His New Series Titled Pluribus
After a long break away from the science fiction genre, the celebrated showrunner is making a return back to his roots. Starting out with The Iconic X-Files Series, in which he penned 30 episodes, plus even writing the screenplay behind Will Smith’s film Hancock, Gilligan devoted the past decade-plus focused on the universe from Breaking Bad Universe. This fall, via his latest Apple TV series Pluribus, he returns back home to sci-fi that kicked off his career.
A Mysterious Premise and Cryptic Trailers
The plot and premise for Pluribus remain top secret. The trailers and teasers are intentionally vague. For example, a brief scene shows a female character alone at work at night calmly taking pastries out of a container marked “Help yourself!” and licking each one before placing the treats neatly into its place. Reviewers cannot reveal to disclose details regarding the show’s explosive first episode, except the fact the story begins as our modern world transforms dramatically.
Gilligan’s Science Fiction Watchlist
Because specifics on the story or development could not be discussed, the showrunner was asked an innocuous inquiry: What other science fiction series or movies ought fans see to prepare before Pluribus?
“Each of the original and the remake adaptations from Body Snatchers; that’s an excellent reference point,” he explains. “Twilight Zone, that's always my favorite. The Thing, the John Carpenter film. I enjoy both versions, though I particularly love Carpenter’s take.”
An Homage for Science Fiction Enthusiasts
If you’re an admirer of sci-fi or horror, you will probably recognize the tales that influenced Pluribus. Its inspirations aren’t exactly subtle — and that’s exactly the idea. The creator says his aim with this series was to riff on sci-fi tropes.
“My thought process involved of all the sci-fi clichés and horror conventions I could incorporate into the series, before turn each one onto their head,” Gilligan says. “ That’s what what tickled me.”
In other words: Pluribus serves as a sci-fi show for sci-fi fans. So if you’re coming the show being a Breaking Bad superfan who’s never been much for science fiction, you may want to complete some preparation in advance. The showrunner has now offered the essential watchlist.
Pluribus debuts Nov. 7 on Apple TV+.
