Pluribus and Toxic Positivity at the End of the World (As We Know It)

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With Pluribus, Vince Gilligan—the creative force behind Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul—returns to television, now exploring science fiction. The series is a thrilling ride starring Rhea Seehorn as Carol Sturka, a disillusioned fantasy author who unexpectedly becomes one of the few people left with independent thought. After a virus merges most of humanity into a single hive mind, it falls to the world’s most unhappy person to prevent everyone from becoming… happy.

TopMob covered the premiere of the show in Los Angeles, and we chatted with stars Karolina Wydra, who plays Zosia, and Samba Schutte, who plays Mr. Diabaté. They discussed their characters and how the show explores the issue of toxic positivity.

Wydra, who portrays Zosia – a character representing the world – observed how wonderful it is to exist without worries. However, she also acknowledged that this comes at the expense of personal identity and the ability to think for oneself.

Schutte described the show as a compelling exploration of what it means to be human, particularly how we cope with life’s transitions and how we react to others’ positivity even when we’re facing difficult times.

Pluribus is now streaming on Apple TV.

Pluribus and Toxic Positivity

“This Is a Great Study of Human Nature

  • TopMob: “The show is tackling a lot. But to me, one of the key messages that I see in it is about toxic positivity. Can you talk about how the show kind of addresses that and integrates it into the high concept?”

I feel very strongly about protecting Zosia’s values and how she sees the world. When you play a character like that, you have to fully commit to everything she believes in and the reality she lives in. And yes, the happiness in that world is… complicated. It’s a place of peace and calm, without suffering or prejudice, and even without the concept of time. But think about what that means – it’s amazing to live in a world where you don’t have to worry about anything, but it comes at the expense of being an individual and thinking for yourself. That’s a big part of it.

This show is a fascinating look at what makes us human, especially how we cope with change and deal with others who seem to have it all when we’re going through tough times – it really reminds me of life in LA. It’s thought-provoking because it makes you consider how you would react in a similar situation. Would you choose to be alone, or to be part of a group? Would you prioritize happiness, or the freedom to feel whatever emotions come your way? I think it’ll spark a lot of conversation about who people are and who they want to be. Personally, I’d choose to be alone, but I’d want to be happy about it.

Bringing Karolina Wydra’s Individuality Into a Character Without Any

Karolina Wydra is Everyone Across the World All at Once.

  • TopMob: “Your character is, obviously, the world, but you’re still portraying someone. And so how do you balance that, you know, being someone who is everyone, but also injecting your own individuality into that performance?”

What’s really interesting to me is Zosia’s individuality. I think Carol, played by Rhea Seehorn, would appreciate it. Before joining the group, I didn’t really consider who Zosia was before – I only focused on who she is now. So, those small moments where her personality shines through are, I believe, specifically what Carol would enjoy seeing.

Samda Schutte Hopes Audiences Don’t Think Mr. Diabaté Is Creepy

“I Really Hope My Character Doesn’t Come Across as Sleazy…”

  • TopMob: “Your character is a little crazy. He’s doing whatever he wants. How do you think people are going to react to him?”

I’m really hoping people don’t see my character as sleazy or unsettling, because that wasn’t what I was going for at all. I pictured him more like a kid in a candy store – overwhelmed and thrilled with all the possibilities. It’s like winning the lottery and suddenly having access to everything you’ve ever wanted. That’s the energy – wild, enthusiastic, and a little bit lost in the moment – that I tried to bring to the role. I’m hoping that’s what people focus on, along with his fantastic wardrobe!

The full interview can be seen here:

For more coverage of Apple TV projects, be sure to check out Invasion.

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2025-11-07 22:06