Vince Gilligan, the mastermind behindBreaking BadandBetter Call Saul, believes even art requires boundaries. “The Mona Lisa has a frame around it,” he explains, emphasizing the importance of limitations in fostering creativity and driving success.
His latest venture,Pluribus, premiering November 7th, represents a significant leap in scope and budget thanks to Apple TV. While the financial backing is welcome, Gilligan stresses the invaluable freedom Apple afforded his team – a crucial element often missing in the fast-paced world of television production.
Pluribusis a sprawling, nine-part sci-fi thriller centered around a peculiar phenomenon: a “friendly” virus that sweeps the globe, inducing a state of universal tranquility. It’s a concept that immediately sparks intrigue and raises questions about the very nature of happiness and control.
The series stars Rhea Seehorn, reuniting with Gilligan after her breakout role inBetter Call Saul. She portrays Carol, a romance author tasked with saving the world despite harboring a deeply cynical outlook – arguably the most miserable person on Earth.
Comparisons to Apple TV+'s hitSeveranceand the popular seriesThe Last of Usare already surfacing, both of which explore unsettling scenarios involving altered states of consciousness. Gilligan, however, playfully worries about being misinterpreted.
“I’m afraid people are going to think I’m subtly pooping on my fans when I really am not,” he admits, acknowledging the potential for misconstruing Carol’s misanthropic tendencies. He identifies with her fear of losing the adoration of an audience, a sentiment born from his own experiences as a creator.
The seed of the idea forPluribustook root during long walks in Burbank, California. Gilligan began to contemplate a world where someone is universally loved, where everyone would willingly sacrifice for another. This simple thought experiment blossomed into a complex narrative exploring the implications of such a reality.
As the series delves into a world where minds are interconnected and individuality fades, parallels to the rise of artificial intelligence are inevitable. Gilligan chuckles, acknowledging the potential connections, but emphasizes the decade-long gestation period of the project.
“People don’t realize how damn long it takes me to come up with things,” he says. He initially feared the timing would align too closely with the COVID-19 pandemic, but now, with the passage of time, he welcomes any interpretation viewers may draw from the story.
This project marks Gilligan’s second collaboration with Seehorn, a partnership he deeply values. He recognized her dramatic and comedic range duringBetter Call Sauland envisioned her as the perfect lead for a story centered around a complex female protagonist.
Albuquerque, New Mexico, once again serves as the backdrop for Gilligan’s storytelling. He describes the city as a “muse,” but also acknowledges the practical benefits of working with a crew he’s collaborated with for nearly two decades, a team deeply rooted in the Albuquerque community.
Looking ahead, Gilligan hopesPluribuswill span at least three seasons, but remains open to the story’s organic evolution. He draws a parallel toBreaking Bad, initially intended for just a few seasons, but ultimately extending to six, allowing the narrative to unfold naturally.
Pluribuspremieres on November 7th with the first two episodes, followed by weekly releases through December 26th. It’s a series poised to captivate audiences with its thought-provoking premise, compelling characters, and the signature storytelling of Vince Gilligan.
