Award-Winning Creator Gilligan Himself Reveals His Science Fiction Inspirations For His Upcoming Show Pluribus
After an extended hiatus away from the science fiction genre, the celebrated showrunner is staging a return back to where he began. Launching his career with The Iconic X-Files, where he wrote three dozen installments, plus even writing the script for Will Smith’s film Hancock, the creator devoted the past decade-plus focused on the world of Breaking Bad. This fall, via his latest streaming project Pluribus, he returns back home to sci-fi that launched his career.
A Secretive Premise and Cryptic Teasers
The storyline and premise for Pluribus remain top secret. The trailers and teasers are tantalizingly vague. In one, a brief scene shows a woman by herself in an office after hours nonchalantly taking pastries from a box marked “Feel free!” then tasting each one before placing them carefully back in the box. Reviewers aren’t allowed to say anything about the series’ thrilling premiere, beyond the fact the narrative begins when today’s society transforms dramatically.
Gilligan’s Sci-Fi Watchlist
Since details on the story or development could not be discussed, the showrunner fielded a simple inquiry: What additional science fiction series or movies ought viewers watch to prepare before Pluribus?
“Each of the original and the remake adaptations of Body Snatchers; that's a good touchstone,” he explains. “The Twilight Zone, that’s forever my favorite. The Thing, John Carpenter's film. I like both versions, but I particularly love Carpenter’s take.”
An Homage to Sci-Fi Fans
For those who are a fan of sci-fi or horror, you’ll likely recognize the tales inspiring Pluribus. Its inspirations aren’t exactly subtle — which is the point. Gilligan notes his goal for the new show was to riff on the genre itself.
“My thought process involved of every science fiction trope and horror-movie trope I could incorporate into the series, before flip each one upside down,” Gilligan adds. “ That’s what made me excited.”
In other words: Pluribus is a science fiction series aimed at genre lovers. Therefore, if you’re coming the show as a Breaking Bad superfan who’s never been much for sci-fi, it’s wise to complete some preparation in advance. Gilligan just provided the essential watchlist.
Pluribus debuts November 7 via Apple TV.
