Bob Odenkirk, a comedian and writer reflected on how he was chosen for the role of Saul Goodman in the critically acclaimed drama Breaking Bad.
The character of Saul first appeared in season 2, episode 8, and became a beloved character who eventually got his prequel series, Better Call Saul.
Bob Odenkirk Reveals On How He Was Cast In Breaking Bad
During an interview, Odenkirk revealed that he initially hesitated to ask how he got cast in the role, fearing that it might cause the creators to reconsider their decision.
Odenkirk was surprised to find out that the show’s creators, Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, were fans of his sketch series, Mr. Show. They believed that Odenkirk was the perfect actor to play the character of Saul Goodman.
However, Gilligan preferred casting comedic actors, as he thought it helped them understand the underlying humanity of drama. This was an unexpected opportunity for Odenkirk, primarily known for his comedic roles, before landing the part in Breaking Bad.
Saul Goodman was initially intended to be a comic-relief character in Breaking Bad, but Odenkirk’s talent allowed him to take on more dramatic scenes as the character evolved.
In Better Call Saul, Odenkirk was able to showcase his dramatic acting skills while still bringing his signature comedic flair to the role of Jimmy McGill. He received five Emmy nominations for his work in the series and will likely receive a sixth nomination for the upcoming season.
Gilligan and Gould’s decision to cast Odenkirk as Saul Goodman was a stroke of genius, as the character has become one of the most iconic antiheroes in television history. The success of the prequel series is a testament to Odenkirk’s talent and ability to bring depth and complexity to the character.
