Pluribus: The Official Podcast S1E6: HDP
Dec 5, 2025
Join Vince Gilligan, the mastermind behind Pluribus, as he shares intriguing behind-the-scenes insights and production tales. Director Gandja Montero discusses the creative challenges of filming in Las Vegas, including staging iconic scenes in Elvis’s suite. Actor Samba Schutte reveals his audition journey and memorable on-set moments. They also dive into the technical magic of filming under extreme conditions, the playful use of props, and a surprise cameo from John Cena, ensuring laughs and revelations throughout.
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Vibe Check Led To Creative Fit
- Gandja Montero landed the job after a vibe-check meeting with the Pluribus team. She felt the production's collaborative spirit opened her up creatively and made the work joyful.
From Self-Tape To Soulful Performance
- Samba Schutte described his audition journey from self-tape to callback and role discovery. He shifted choices to play Mr. Diabaté as more nerdy and sincere, closer to himself.
Why Casting Needed Innocence
- Vince Gilligan traced Mr. Diabaté's DNA to a character everyone inexplicably pampers. Casting struggled because many reads added sleaze, while Samba gave the role innocence and likability.