Vince Gilligan Himself Shares His Science Fiction Influences Behind The Upcoming Show Titled Pluribus

Following a long break away from the science fiction genre, the celebrated showrunner is staging a comeback back to his roots. Launching his career on The X-Files Series, in which he penned three dozen installments, and also crafting the script for Will Smith’s film Hancock, Gilligan devoted the past decade-plus immersed in the world of Breaking Bad. Now, with his new Apple TV series Pluribus, he returns full circle toward sci-fi that launched his journey.

A Mysterious Premise and Cryptic Trailers

The storyline and premise of Pluribus are closely guarded. Promotional clips and previews are intentionally ambiguous. For example, a short clip shows a female character by herself at work at night nonchalantly taking pastries out of a container marked “Help yourself!” and licking each one prior to returning the treats neatly into its place. Reviewers aren’t allowed to disclose details regarding the show’s explosive first episode, beyond that the story kicks off when today’s society changes dramatically.

The Creator’s Science Fiction Watchlist

Because details on the plot or development could not be discussed, the showrunner was asked a simple inquiry: Which other sci-fi shows or films ought viewers see to get ready for Pluribus?

“Both the original and the remake adaptations from Body Snatchers; that's a good touchstone,” Gilligan explains. “Twilight Zone, that’s forever my go-to. The Thing, John Carpenter's version. I enjoy each one, though I especially like the John Carpenter version.”

A Love Letter for Science Fiction Fans

For those who are an admirer of sci-fi or horror, you will probably identify the tales that influenced Pluribus. The show’s influences aren’t exactly understated — which is the point. Gilligan notes his aim with this series was to riff on the genre itself.

“My thought process involved of every sci-fi clichés and horror-movie trope I could incorporate into this show, before flip all of those tropes upside down,” Gilligan adds. “ That’s what what tickled me.”

Put simply: Pluribus serves as a sci-fi show aimed at sci-fi fans. So if you approach to it as a Breaking Bad superfan who’s never been into science fiction, you may want to do some preparation in advance. Gilligan has now offered the essential watchlist.

Pluribus premieres November 7 via Apple TV.