Get ready to have your mind blown: Vince Gilligan, the mastermind behind Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, is back with a brand-new sci-fi series called Pluribus—and it’s already sparking curiosity. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the show is set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, just like his previous hits, Gilligan has firmly shut down any hopes of a crossover. So, what’s the deal? Let’s dive in.
Pluribus, now streaming on Apple TV, marks Gilligan’s first major project since Better Call Saul wrapped in 2022. With his track record, expectations are sky-high. Adding to the buzz is the return of Rhea Seahorn, who played Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul, now starring in this sci-fi thriller. Fans are naturally wondering if this could mean a crossover—but Gilligan has made it clear: don’t hold your breath. In an interview with The Verge, he explained that Albuquerque was chosen simply because it allowed him to work with the same trusted crew he’s collaborated with for nearly two decades, including those behind Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, and El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie. So, while the setting might feel familiar, it’s not a hint at a shared universe.
But this is the part most people miss: Pluribus is a standalone sci-fi thriller with a wildly original premise. The story follows Carol Sturka, a disillusioned romance novelist who finds herself immune to a global virus that turns the rest of humanity into a collective hive mind of docile, contented drones. It’s a far cry from the crime dramas Gilligan is known for, and it leans heavily into his sci-fi roots—he was, after all, a writer on The X-Files. This raises a thought-provoking question: could there be subtle nods to his previous work, or is Pluribus truly its own beast?
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing. While Gilligan has ruled out a direct crossover, the show’s sci-fi elements—like an alien virus infecting Earth—leave room for unexpected twists. Could there be a wink to the Breaking Bad universe, or is that just wishful thinking? After all, the multiverse concept has been overused in recent years, often feeling more like a marketing gimmick than a creative tool. But in a world where humanity is transformed by an otherworldly virus, anything is possible—even if it’s just an Easter egg for die-hard fans.
Ultimately, Pluribus stands on its own, and that’s a refreshing change in an era of interconnected franchises. It’s a show you can enjoy for its bold storytelling and unique premise without constantly wondering how it ties into Gilligan’s past work. But here’s the real question: Do you think Gilligan will sneak in a subtle reference, or is he truly done with his old worlds? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark some heated opinions!