Imagine being the sole guardian of Earth's fate, a role you've kept hidden for years. That's the intriguing premise of Pluribus, a show that has everyone talking, and its star, Rhea Seehorn, at the center of it all. But how did this secret unfold?
The Unveiling of Pluribus:
When Vince Gilligan pitched his new project to Apple TV in 2022, little did anyone know the extent of its uniqueness. The show, now revealed as Pluribus, stars Seehorn as Carol, a woman navigating a bizarre post-apocalyptic world. But here's the twist: Carol is the only character, interacting with survivors who share a collective consciousness, a cheery one at that.
Seehorn, in a recent podcast, revealed the three-year-long secrecy surrounding the show's premise. She recalled Vince's initial offer, 'I wrote something for you if you're interested.' Without a pitch, Seehorn said yes, intrigued and excited. But the real surprise? The show's genre-bending nature, a psychological thriller with a unique twist.
A Tight-Lipped Journey:
Maintaining secrecy was no easy feat. Seehorn credits her friends and family's respect for Vince's work, ensuring they didn't pry. Legal NDAs aside, the real threat was disappointing Vince, for whom keeping the show a surprise was paramount. This secrecy extended to her character's development, with Vince reminding Seehorn of her role as a reluctant hero, a far cry from her previous roles.
Comedy in Solitude:
As the only human character, finding humor was a challenge. Seehorn praises her scene partner, Karolina Wydra, for her role as Zosia, a sentient being with a unique challenge—not mirroring Carol. Despite the absurdity of the situation, Seehorn found comedy in the contrast between her character's emotional turmoil and the calm, collective consciousness.
The Personal Touches:
Seehorn delved into the character's personal life, discussing her hygiene and background. The loss of Helen, a pivotal plot point, was a weight the character carried, affecting her appearance. Additionally, Seehorn researched romance novels, discovering a diverse genre with numerous sub-genres, from historical fiction to sci-fi pirates.
Breaking the Comedy Mold:
Seehorn's journey into drama was not without challenges. Having been typecast in comedy roles, she struggled to break free. She often heard, 'We don't know what to do with you.' But with Pluribus, Seehorn showcases her versatility, proving she's more than a sitcom actress.
And this is where it gets intriguing—how do audiences perceive Seehorn's transformation? Is the industry finally recognizing her range? Share your thoughts below, especially if you've been captivated by Pluribus' unique storytelling and Seehorn's captivating performance.
