Key Takeaways:
– The casting of Bryan Cranston in “Breaking Bad” met with significant pushback initially.
– Creator Vince Gilligan fought hard for Cranston’s inclusion despite resistance from the TV network due to Cranston’s comedic past.
– Gilligan’s previous working experience with Cranston in “The X-Files” influenced his decision to cast him in the role.
– Cranston vindicated Gilligan’s choice with his high praised performance as Walter White.
The Journey to Cast Bryan Cranston as Walter White
Despite now being regarded as one of the most iconic character portrayals in television history, Bryan Cranston’s casting as Walter White in “Breaking Bad” didn’t come easy. Series creator Vince Gilligan faced a major challenge in convincing the TV network executives who were hesitant due to Cranston’s past acting history.
Why Did TV Executives Resist Cranston’s Casting?
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, a former executive disclosed that AMC was reluctant to cast Cranston as Walter White. The reason? Cranston, then widely known for his comedy role in “Malcolm in the Middle”, had branded a comedic image that network executives found hard to erase. Their concern was whether the actor was suitable for an intense drama series like “Breaking Bad”.
Cranston had mostly done comedic roles before entering the world of “Breaking Bad” with a performance that had earned him immense popularity. The executives were worried about casting Cranston in a dark, intense role and were uncertain of his ability to convincingly portray a damaged character such as Walter White.
Vince Gilligan’s Stand on Casting Bryan Cranston
During a separate interview, Gilligan acknowledged the challenge of casting an actor known primarily for sitcoms in a drama. Further, he confesses that he too would have been skeptical to cast Cranston if they hadn’t worked together before in the “X-Files” series, where Gilligan had a chance to witness Cranston’s acting chops in a more serious role.
Prior Experience with Cranston Played Key Role
Cranston portrayed a villainous character named Patrick Crump in the “X-Files”. Having written this episode, Gilligan was closely familiar with Cranston’s acting range and capabilities. This experience provided Gilligan the confidence to cast Cranston as Walter White, despite external hesitation.
Cranston Proves Critics Wrong
After the uphill battle to cast Cranston, the gamble paid off when Cranston’s portrayal as Walter White garnered massive critical success. He not only silenced the doubts initially raised by the network but also won five Emmys for his role in “Breaking Bad”. His depiction as Walter White, a high-school chemistry teacher with stage-three lung cancer turned drug dealer, has become one of the most iconic roles in television history.
Conclusion
Despite the initial hesitation and pushback, the decision to cast Bryan Cranston in “Breaking Bad” turned out to be a major victory for Vince Gilligan and the series. In the end, Cranston’s performance played a crucial role in cementing “Breaking Bad’s” status as an all-time favourite among audiences worldwide. This story is a testament to visionary creative decisions and backing unconventional choices even in the face of resistance.
