Vince Gilligan Considered Naked Cast for 'Pluribus', Sony TV Exec Initially Doubted 'Breaking Bad'

The 'Pluribus' creator and star Rhea Seehorn discussed behind-the-scenes stories at SXSW panel.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 11:03pm

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Vince Gilligan, the creator of the new dystopian series 'Pluribus', revealed that he once considered having the show's extras be completely naked, but ultimately decided against it. Gilligan also shared that a top Sony TV executive was initially not enthusiastic about his acclaimed series 'Breaking Bad', which the studio later produced.

Why it matters

Gilligan's candid comments provide a rare behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and challenges faced by showrunners, even for acclaimed series like 'Breaking Bad' and 'Pluribus'. The panel discussion offers insights into the entertainment industry and the evolution of bold creative visions.

The details

During a SXSW panel titled 'Albuquerque Aftermath: From Breaking Bad to Pluribus', Gilligan revealed that he had considered having the extras who make up the hive mind on 'Pluribus' be completely naked. However, he ultimately decided against it, saying 'We can't do that to all these extras. We can't all be naked.' Seehorn, the star of 'Pluribus', added that she couldn't imagine trying to act with 300 naked people. Gilligan also shared that a top Sony TV executive was initially not a fan of 'Breaking Bad', the multi-Emmy winning series that the studio ultimately produced.

  • The SXSW panel discussion took place on March 14, 2026.

The players

Vince Gilligan

The creator of the dystopian series 'Pluribus' and the acclaimed drama 'Breaking Bad'.

Rhea Seehorn

The star of the series 'Pluribus'.

Sony TV

The studio that ultimately produced Gilligan's series 'Breaking Bad'.

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What they’re saying

“We talked about they didn't need to wear clothes at all, but we're not working for HBO. But then we thought, we can't do that to all these extras. We can't all be naked.”

— Vince Gilligan, Creator, 'Pluribus' (SXSW Panel)

“Can you imagine … if I had to try to act with 300 naked people?”

— Rhea Seehorn, Star, 'Pluribus' (SXSW Panel)

The takeaway

Gilligan's candid revelations about his creative process and the initial doubts around 'Breaking Bad' highlight the challenges and perseverance required to bring bold visions to life in the entertainment industry, even for acclaimed showrunners.