From Breaking Bad to Sci-Fi Epic: Vince Gilligan's New Vision
The legendary creator behind Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul has returned with his most ambitious project yet. Vince Gilligan's new nine-part sci-fi thriller Pluribus premiered on Apple TV+ on November 7, marking his first major project since concluding the Saul Goodman storyline three years ago.
In an exclusive interview, Gilligan revealed that while art needs limitations - comparing creative boundaries to the frame around the Mona Lisa - his budget for this new series represents a significant step up from his AMC days. 'It is wonderful, I've got to say,' Gilligan shared. 'It was a step up budgetarily with Apple, but they've also given us the time. They haven't been breathing down our necks, which to me is just as important, probably more important.'
The Ambitious World of Pluribus
Pluribus presents a unique apocalyptic scenario where a 'friendly' virus spreads globally, transforming everyone's mentality into one of tranquility. The story centres around romance author Carol, played by Rhea Seehorn, who must save Earth despite being described as the 'most miserable person' on it.
Gilligan expressed excitement about reuniting with Seehorn, explaining: 'She was the newcomer on Better Call Saul and I really liked her. I thought, man, she could be so dramatic, but she could be so funny. I'd like to work with her again. It's probably time I have a female protagonist, and that's when the idea came.'
The series continues Gilligan's tradition of setting his shows in Albuquerque, though he admitted initial reluctance. 'Selfishly, I wanted to continue working with my crew that I've been working with for the better part of two decades and that's where they all live,' he revealed.
Addressing Comparisons and Future Plans
With the series exploring a world where minds connect and individuality disappears, viewers will likely draw parallels to artificial intelligence and pandemic experiences. Gilligan chuckled at these comparisons, noting: 'People don't realise how damn long it takes me to come up with things. It's been the better part of a decade.'
When COVID emerged, Gilligan worried people would assume the series was inspired by the pandemic. 'Luckily, it took me so many years to get this thing on the air because I'm so damn slow, so mercifully that is fading into the rearview mirror for all of us, I hope.'
Looking ahead, Gilligan confirmed that season two has already been renewed before the first season aired. 'I'd like it to go at least three seasons,' he said, while acknowledging his uncertainty about the exact number. 'Breaking Bad, if you had asked me in season one how many seasons it should go, I would have said two or three and then it was six.'
Pluribus premiered on Friday, November 7 with the first two episodes, followed by weekly releases through to the finale on December 26.
