Vince Gilligan’s ‘Pluribus’ Stresses Human‑Made Production Over AI
Key Points
- Apple TV+ series "Pluribus" includes a disclaimer stating the show was "made by humans".
- Vince Gilligan described AI as "the world’s most expensive and energy‑intensive plagiarism machine".
- Gilligan likened AI‑generated content to a cow chewing its cud, emphasizing his disdain.
- The show notes that animal wranglers were present to ensure animal safety during production.
- Rhea Seehorn returns to star as a romantasy author facing an alien invasion.
- The human‑made disclaimer signals a push for transparency about AI use in media.
- Gilligan’s comments may influence how other creators address AI in their projects.
The new Apple TV+ series “Pluricus” opens with a clear disclaimer that the show was “made by humans,” a statement underscored by creator Vince Gilligan’s strong condemnation of generative AI. Gilligan, known for “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” called AI “the world’s most expensive and energy‑intensive plagiarism machine” and likened AI‑generated content to a cow chewing its cud. The series also notes that animal wranglers were present to protect animal safety. Co‑star Rhea Seehorn returns to portray a romantasy author confronting an alien invasion, highlighting the show’s blend of science‑fiction and human‑driven storytelling.
Human‑Made Disclaimer
At the conclusion of Apple TV+’s newest series, “Pluribus,” a succinct credit line reads, “This show was made by humans.” The same note also mentions that animal wranglers were on set to ensure animal safety. These statements serve as a clear declaration that the production relied entirely on human creativity and oversight, without the use of generative artificial intelligence.
Gilligan’s Stance on AI
Creator Vince Gilligan, celebrated for his work on “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” used a recent interview to voice an unequivocal opposition to AI. He described the technology as “the world’s most expensive and energy‑intensive plagiarism machine,” emphasizing his belief that AI merely recycles existing material without true originality. Gillian further compared AI‑generated content to “a cow chewing its cud — an endlessly regurgitated loop of nonsense,” underscoring his frustration with what he sees as the lack of authentic invention. His remarks reflect a broader concern among some creators about the impact of AI on artistic integrity.
Show Premise and Cast
“Pluribus” reunites Gilligan with his “Better Call Saul” co‑star Rhea Seehorn. In the series, Seehorn portrays a romantasy author who finds herself confronting an alien invasion, blending genre‑bending storytelling with human‑driven drama. The series’ premise positions a literary figure at the center of a sci‑fi crisis, allowing the show to explore themes of imagination, resilience, and the human response to extraordinary events.
Production Choices
The inclusion of the human‑made disclaimer and the note about animal wranglers highlights the production’s commitment to transparency and ethical practices. By explicitly stating that no AI tools were employed, the creators aim to reassure audiences that the series’ creative decisions stem from human expertise and labor. The animal‑wrangler credit signals adherence to standards for animal welfare during filming.
Industry Implications
Gilligan’s outspoken criticism of AI, coupled with the visible disclaimer, may set a precedent for other filmmakers seeking to differentiate their work from AI‑assisted projects. The clear messaging could influence audience expectations and industry norms regarding the disclosure of AI involvement in creative endeavors.