Award-Winning Creator Gilligan Unveils His Science Fiction Influences Behind His Upcoming Series Pluribus
After an extended hiatus from sci-fi storytelling, the celebrated showrunner is making a comeback to where he began. Launching his career on The X-Files, in which he wrote 30 episodes, plus even writing the script for Will Smith’s film Hancock, Gilligan has spent the past decade-plus focused on the universe from Breaking Bad. Now, via his new Apple TV project Pluribus, he returns back home to sci-fi which kicked off his career.
A Secretive Premise with Cryptic Teasers
The storyline and premise of Pluribus remain top secret. The trailers and previews have all been tantalizingly ambiguous. In one, a short clip shows a woman by herself in an office after hours calmly lifting pastries from a container labeled “Help yourself!” then tasting each one prior to returning the treats carefully into the box. Reviewers cannot reveal to say details regarding the series’ explosive premiere, except that the story begins as today’s society transforms in a significant way.
Gilligan’s Sci-Fi Watchlist
Since specifics on the story or production could not be discussed, the showrunner fielded a simple question: What additional science fiction series or films should fans watch to prepare for Pluribus?
“Both the 1956 and 1978 adaptations from Body Snatchers; that’s an excellent reference point,” he states. “The Twilight Zone, that's always my go-to. The Thing, the John Carpenter film. I like both versions, though I especially like the John Carpenter version.”
An Homage to Science Fiction Fans
If you’re a fan of science fiction or scary movies, you will probably identify the tales that influenced Pluribus. Its inspirations are far from subtle — which is exactly the idea. Gilligan notes his aim with the new show was to play with the genre itself.
“I was thinking of every sci-fi clichés and horror conventions I could incorporate into the series, before flip all of those tropes onto their head,” he says. “ That’s what made me excited.”
Put simply: Pluribus serves as a science fiction series aimed at sci-fi fans. So if you’re coming to it being a Breaking Bad devotee who’s never been into science fiction, it’s wise to do some preparation in advance. The showrunner has now offered the essential watchlist.
Pluribus debuts Nov. 7 on Apple TV.
