In a recent revelation at the Gotham TV Awards held in New York City, actress Karolina Wydra shared a charming behind-the-scenes ritual between her and her co-star Rhea Seehorn during the filming of Apple TV+’s latest series, Pluribus. Wydra explained how Seehorn’s daily tradition of sharing a doughnut transformed into a delightful routine on set.
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According to Wydra, Seehorn, now 54, had a particular penchant for enjoying one half of a doughnut while filming. “Rhea has this thing where she has to have a doughnut every day on set, and so she can only have half a doughnut, or she wants to have a half a doughnut,” Wydra stated. “So then I would always have her half a doughnut. Usually, I don’t even eat doughnuts, but every day on set, I would share mine with Rhea. That was a ritual.”
The humour found in their sweet exchange has become a hallmark of their working relationship. Wydra added, “It just came out of nowhere, and it became a really sweet thing. We truly had the best time on set.” She also noted that while she indulged in more extravagant doughnut flavours, Seehorn preferred her treats to be simple, allowing the pair to bond over this light-hearted habit.
The doughnut-sharing ritual is just one of the many endearing anecdotes that have emerged from the production of Pluribus. The show, created by Vince Gilligan, who also worked with Seehorn on the critically acclaimed series Better Call Saul, unfolds in a dystopian world where an alien virus known as the “Hive Mind” exerts control over the majority of humanity. Seehorn portrays Carol, one of the few individuals unaffected by the virus, as she embarks on a quest to reverse its effects and save the world.
Wydra plays Zosia, who serves as Carol’s chaperone and intermediary with the aliens. Interested in character development, Wydra expressed a desire to learn more about Zosia’s backstory as the series progresses. “I would love to know more about the radio frequency that was introduced, that Manousos finds,” Wydra shared when discussing potential theories for the upcoming second season. “And then, obviously, the atom bomb. That’s a big one. Are we going to use it? Where are we using it?”
The season one finale left audiences on the edge of their seats as Carol, after having her every wish granted by the aliens, requested an atom bomb, which was subsequently delivered to her street. This shocking turn of events has contributed to widespread excitement surrounding the future of Pluribus.
In addition to the engaging narrative, Rhea Seehorn’s performance has garnered critical acclaim. Earlier this year, she was awarded Best Actress in a Drama Series at the Critics’ Choice Awards. Reflecting on her collaboration with Gilligan, Seehorn recounted that when he proposed writing a role specifically for her, she immediately agreed, despite not having seen a script. “When he called me and said he wrote something for me and said, ‘But I’m not ready to give you the script,’ I said, ‘It doesn’t matter, just yes,’” she recalled with enthusiasm.
Seehorn’s recognition at the awards ceremony marks a significant milestone in her career. She has reflected on her time with Gilligan, noting how he had observed her range as an actress during her performances in Better Call Saul, which inspired him to develop new material for her. “For somebody who I think is one of the best writers, to say that they want to create a role for me — that’s a lot,” she remarked, expressing gratitude for the opportunity.
As anticipation builds for the second season of Pluribus, fans can look forward to more intricacies in the plot as well as touching moments shared between the show’s stars. The first season is currently available for streaming on Apple TV+, offering viewers the chance to immerse themselves in this unique narrative that blends drama with the fantastical elements of science fiction.
As Wydra prepares for more doughnut sharing and deeper exploration of her character in season two, the camaraderie between the cast promises not only to enrich the storyline but also to resonate with audiences, reminding them of the simple joys amid complex narratives.