Award-Winning Creator Gilligan Himself Reveals His Sci-Fi Influences For His New Show Pluribus
After an extended hiatus away from the science fiction genre, the celebrated showrunner is staging a return back to his roots. Launching his career on The Iconic X-Files Series, in which he wrote 30 episodes, plus even writing the script behind the superhero comedy Hancock, Gilligan devoted recent years focused on the world of Breaking Bad. This fall, via his new Apple TV project Pluribus, he’s coming back home toward the genre that kicked off his journey.
A Mysterious Plot and Cryptic Trailers
The plot and premise of Pluribus are top secret. The trailers and teasers have all been tantalizingly vague. For example, a brief scene shows a woman alone in an office after hours nonchalantly taking donuts from a container labeled “Feel free!” then tasting them before returning them neatly into the box. Reviewers cannot reveal to disclose anything about the series’ explosive premiere, except the fact the story begins as our modern world transforms dramatically.
The Creator’s Science Fiction Watchlist
Because details about the story or production were off-limits, Gilligan was asked an innocuous inquiry: Which additional sci-fi shows or movies should fans see to prepare before Pluribus?
“Both the original and the remake versions of Body Snatchers; that’s an excellent touchstone,” Gilligan explains. “The Twilight Zone, that’s forever my go-to. The Thing, the John Carpenter version. I like both versions, though I particularly love Carpenter’s take.”
An Homage to Science Fiction Fans
For those who are a fan of science fiction or scary movies, you’ll likely identify the stories that influenced Pluribus. The show’s influences are far from subtle — which is exactly the idea. The creator notes his aim with the new show was to play with the genre itself.
“I was thinking of all the science fiction trope and horror conventions I could throw into this show, and then flip all of those tropes onto their head,” Gilligan adds. “ That’s what made me excited.”
In other words: Pluribus serves as a sci-fi show for sci-fi fans. So if you approach to it being a Breaking Bad devotee who isn’t typically much for science fiction, it’s wise to do some preparation in advance. The showrunner has now offered the essential watchlist.
Pluribus premieres Nov. 7 via Apple TV.
