Ahead of his upcoming Apple TV+ series Pluribus, creator Vince Gilligan has shared an underwhelming update about the future of the Breaking Bad universe, and it’s not what fans hoping for a sequel want to hear.
The acclaimed showrunner confirmed that he currently has no plans to return to Walter White’s world, saying he’s ready to move on creatively. “I’m not tired of it. I’m not worn out on it. But I am ready for a hero, for a change, instead of a villain or an anti-hero,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.
Additionally, Gilligan shared that he fears ruining the legacy of his celebrated series. “Now I’ve got a bad taste in my mouth, and that’s all I remember now. So I don’t want to do that. I really don’t want to do that,” he added, expressing his lack of interest in further expanding the franchise.
Vince Gilligan Wanted to Write a True Hero Again With Pluribus
After redefining television antiheroes with Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Vince Gilligan is taking a different path with his new series. In his interview, he shared that he was ready to move on from moral ambiguity to write a true hero again.
“At a certain point, you’re like, ‘God, it’d be nice to write a hero again, someone who’s trying to do the right thing,’” he told The Hollywood Reporter
That hero is Carol Sturka, the protagonist of the upcoming Apple TV series, played by Rhea Seehorn. Gilligan described the character as a “hero” who wants to do the right thing and save the world.
“And that’s refreshing,” he added, talking about his upcoming sci-fi series, which follows Carol Sturka, a flawed but determined woman who sets out to uncover and remedy a mysterious global disorder.
Vince Gilligan Clarifies Pluribus Isn’t Set in the Breaking Bad Universe
Several elements of Gilligan’s new series, from Albuquerque to the line “Hello Carol,” have fueled speculations about the possible connection between Pluribus and Breaking Bad. However, despite familiar nods, Gilligan insists that his new series exists in its own universe entirely.
“She has nothing to do with the other [Breaking Bad] character,” he told The Hollywood Reporter, adding, “This is not the Albuquerque of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.“
Though he admitted that he almost set the Apple TV+ series somewhere else to avoid confusing fans, but ultimately chose Albuquerque because he wanted to work again with his longtime crew.
But at the end of the day, I just thought, “Man, I’ve got to work with my crew again. I want to keep them working if I can.” It’s not like they need me, but I wanted to keep folks employed in Albuquerque. I love them. We’re like a family.
He also shared that working in Albuquerque was far more convenient for the production, as he doesn’t need to give long explanations because everyone already understands his vision and style.
Are you looking forward to Vince Gilligan’s upcoming sci-fi drama? Share your thoughts with us.
Pluribus will premiere on Apple TV+ on November 7, 2025.
Breaking Bad is available to stream on Netflix.
