Pluribus creator Vince Gilligan addressed one of the show’s most unexpected twists following Episode 6’s surprise cameo. The showrunner explained how a well-known figure ended up delivering the hive’s most disturbing revelation in a moment designed to shock and amuse viewers.
John Cena cameos in Pluribus Episode 6 to deliver a shocking truth
In Pluribus episode 6, titled “HDP,” John Cena appears as a hive-ified version of himself to reveal the truth behind “HDP,” or Human Derived Protein. Cena delivers the information to Carol (Rhea Seehorn), confirming the hive is using humans as a nutritional fuel source. He introduces himself as “We’re John Cena” before explaining the hive’s position and process.
Carol arrives in Las Vegas to meet Diabaté (Samba Schutte), who informs her that the hive has a message waiting for her. Cena’s character delivers it directly with eerie calm. The production team filmed the cameo on a small soundstage in Tampa, Florida, working around Cena’s limited weekend availability.
Vince Gilligan on how John Cena’s Pluribus cameo happened
While speaking about Cena’s cameo with Men’s Health, Pluribus creator Vince Gilligan stated, “We just thought, ‘Who is, simultaneously, the most random person to explain the eating of human flesh to Carol Sturka and the most interesting?’” He said Cena agreed immediately and was flexible, willing to shoot “on a weekend” if needed. The production rented the space in Tampa specifically for the shoot.
Gilligan added that Cena delivered the lines without full context. “As he was leaving, he said, ‘I can’t wait to find out what the hell it was I just said,’” according to Gilligan.
Cena’s sincere delivery supported the hive’s transparent tone and created a disarming effect. His calm presence contrasted sharply with the message’s disturbing content. The nine-episode show premieres new episodes on Apple TV+ every week.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on ComingSoon.
