Vince Gilligan Discusses New Show ‘Pluribus’ and AI’s Role in Hollywood

Vince Gilligan, renowned for creating the iconic series Breaking Bad and co-creating Better Call Saul, is returning to television with his new show, Pluribus. This marks Gilligan’s first project since concluding the stories of beloved characters Walter White and Saul Goodman three years ago. With a unique narrative focused on Carol, described by Apple TV+ as “the most miserable person on Earth,” Pluribus delves deep into themes of negativity and sarcasm—an approach that resonates with Gilligan’s own personal reflections.

Pluribus: A New Creative Frontier

After nearly two decades, Gilligan is stepping away from what fans have nicknamed the Heisenberg universe. He admits that he was nervous about this transition. “I was never certain I would reach my desired destination,” he explained, reflecting on his earlier career challenges.

Despite the success of Breaking Bad, where luck played a significant role, Gilligan values the opportunity to explore fresh concepts now. He has reportedly been granted a generous budget of $15 million per episode for Pluribus, significantly higher than the average cost of Breaking Bad. Although not as high as some other series based on established intellectual properties, this funding highlights Apple TV+’s confidence in Gilligan’s creative vision.

The Central Character

In Pluribus, Gilligan features a protagonist who must “save the world from happiness.” Rhea Seehorn, known for her role as Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul, takes on the role of Carol. Although not widely recognized yet, her performance promises to showcase a range of emotions, from tragedy to humor.

Production Insights

The production of Pluribus has taken Gilligan beyond North America, including filming in northern Spain and the Canary Islands. However, Albuquerque remains a key location, as Gilligan aims to maintain strong ties with his local production team. His long-standing relationship with the crew has benefitted from nearly twenty years of collaboration.

AI and Original Storytelling

In an industry increasingly dominated by Artificial Intelligence, Gilligan expresses his concerns about the future of storytelling. “AI is the stick to poke me with,” he admits. He believes that audiences will continue to crave stories crafted by human hands rather than those generated by algorithms.

• Title: Pluribus
• Creator: Vince Gilligan
• Budget: $15 million per episode
• Main Character: Carol
• Actress: Rhea Seehorn
• Premiere Date: November 7

Gilligan’s perspective echoes a broader concern about the future of original ideas in Hollywood. While established franchises like Star Wars and Marvel dominate the landscape, Gilligan hopes that new generations will also have room for fresh, creative narratives.