Pluribus star Samba Schutte talks about a hidden detail in his character's name

Pluribus has captured audiences with its unique take on humanity facing an alien hivemind. The Apple TV series follows Carol Sturka as she resists a world-changing event. While most people join a collective consciousness of peace, a few remain immune. Among them is Koumba Diabaté, played by Samba Schutte. The character brings warmth and charm to the show. He serves as a counterbalance to Carol's anger and isolation.

In episode six, titled "HDP," viewers learn more about this gentleman hedonist. He lives in Las Vegas and enjoys his new reality. Schutte recently shared something special about his character. The actor revealed that Diabaté's name carries a secret backstory. This detail adds depth to the character's journey in Pluribus. It connects to his past and explains his choices in the present.

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A name with deep cultural roots in Pluribus

Schutte discovered something interesting when he first got the audition. The character was referred to as Mr. Koumba in the early materials. This caught his attention right away.

"In Mauritania, Koumba is a woman's name," Schutte explained.

He did the audition anyway and landed the role. After booking the part, he spoke with creator Vince Gilligan about it.

The actor shared a cultural tradition from his homeland.

"In my culture, the only way a man takes on a woman's name is if his mother has passed away during childbirth," He told Gilligan.

This revelation altered his understanding of the character. It revealed Diabaté's entire hidden history.

The discovery was accidental but meaningful. Gilligan was unaware of this tradition. Schutte recalls the creator's reaction with a sense of humor. He did an impression of Gilligan saying.

"Oh, I had no idea!"

But the actor encouraged him to embrace it. The detail stayed in Pluribus and shaped the character's development.

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Building a character from loss

This backstory sheds light on Diabaté's behavior throughout Pluribus. Schutte notes that his character lacks family connections, unlike other immune survivors.

"If you notice, he does not have family members like the other Originals," He said.

Instead, Diabaté surrounds himself with supermodels and luxury.

The actor believes this comes from growing up without family support.

"He came from a place of not having family around him, not having real people that he cares about," Schutte explained.

Now that he has access to everything, he indulges freely.

"His desire as a child, he's going to walk in and try everything, because finally he can," The actor added.

This background also informs Diabaté's kindness toward Carol. Despite her prickly nature, he remains patient with her. Schutte sees his character as someone who understands loneliness deeply.

"There's a side of him that doesn't want to be lonely," He said.

He recognizes the same isolation in Carol.

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Why does he refuse The Hivemind

In episode six of Pluribus, Diabaté makes an important choice. The joined consciousness now has a way to incorporate the remaining immune individuals. Most want to join. But Diabaté declines the offer.

Schutte explains that this decision comes from multiple places. His character views himself as a bridge between the two worlds.

"He plays the middleman," the actor said.

Diabaté understands why the hivemind does what it does. He also grasps Carol's perspective. However, he ultimately values something specific. He stated

"He values his individuality, He does not want to lose his free will."

The actor also notes that Pluribus explores how different people handle significant change. Some deny it. Others want to embrace it. Diabaté has found his own path. He wants to help solve problems while maintaining his identity.

"He loves his new life way too much to sacrifice it," Schutte explained.

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Bringing Mauritania to the screen

Playing someone from his actual homeland meant a lot to Schutte. He has not seen a Mauritanian character on American television before. Representing his culture in Pluribus was an exceptional experience. The show included authentic details from the food served to the names mentioned.

"That was just such a beautiful experience," The actor said.

The role also let him play someone completely different from his previous work. On Our Flag Means Death, he played Roach, the pirate covered in dirt. In Pluribus, Diabaté dresses impeccably and wears jewelry, as well as Super Bowl rings. The contrast was fun for the actor.

Pluribus weaves cultural authenticity into its science fiction story. Diabaté's name carries a meaning that enriches his entire character arc beautifully.