“I finally related to that attitude”: Playing Saul Goodman Made Bob Odenkirk Realize How Miserable Bryan Cranston and James Gandolfini Had to Be to Truly Excel

Bob Odenkirk finally understands the burden Bryan Cranston and James Gandolfini carried in their iconic roles, thanks to his experience as Saul Goodman.

saul goodman, bryan cranston, james gandolfini

SUMMARY

  • Bob Odenkirk grasped the emotional toll of playing Saul Goodman.
  • He now understands the struggle Cranston and Gandolfini faced in their roles.
  • Odenkirk's insights reveal the personal cost of iconic TV characters.
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Forget Cinnabon, Bob Odenkirk’s got a deeper revelation! Saul Goodman from Breaking Bad learned the importance of emulating well-known anti-heroes like Walter White. It turns out there’s a cost associated with delving into moral ambiguity. But who knows? Maybe sorrow is the key to a performance deserving of an Emmy! 

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Bob Odenkirk
Bob Odenkirk as Saul Goodman in Better Call Saul | Sony Pictures Television

Buckle up as we explore the fascinating (and slightly concerning) link between personal cost and artistic genius.

Stepping Out of Saul’s Shoes: Bob Odenkirk Finally Gets Why Actors Hate Their Characters

rhea seehorn and bob odenkirk in better call saul
Rhea Seehorn and Bob Odenkirk in Better Call Saul | Sony Pictures Television Studios

Bob Odenkirk‘s been living the Saul Goodman life for over a decade. You know, the morally flexible lawyer from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul? But after six seasons of diving into Saul’s psyche, Odenkirk’s ready to hang up his flashy suits. And guess what? He finally gets why Bryan Cranston and James Gandolfini (Walter White and Tony Soprano, respectively) couldn’t wait to ditch their iconic roles.

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Here’s the thing: Odenkirk used to scoff at actors who complained about the emotional toll of dramatic characters. “Digging into your hurt feelings and losses?” he thought. “Who does that?” Well, Saul Goodman changed his tune. Turns out, playing a character constantly teetering on the edge takes its toll. “It’s not healthy to dwell on negativity all the time,” Odenkirk admits (per the digital fix).

This newfound empathy hit him like a character reveal. Suddenly, comments from Gandolfini about wanting to be done with Tony Soprano made perfect sense. The same goes for Cranston’s eagerness to leave Walter White behind. “I finally related to that attitude,” Odenkirk asserts.

It’s not all darkness and despair, though. Better Call Saul has been Odenkirk’s lifeblood for years. He even lived with his co-stars to combat the loneliness of inhabiting Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman’s headspace (seriously, that character can be a downer). But even the best things have to end, and Odenkirk’s ready to explore new territory, Saul-free.

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Let’s face it, when actors whine about the difficulties in their line of work, it might come across as a little entitled. However, Odenkirk? He understands. He has experienced the emotional toll and walked the road. And it’s refreshing to see someone be so honest about the drawbacks of a truly iconic role.

Nobody 2: Get Ready for More Action and Answers!

Bob Odenkirk in Better Call Saul
Bob Odenkirk in Better Call Saul | Sony Pictures Television Studios

Y’all remember the mild-mannered, badass-assassin dad, Hutch Mansell? Well, good news for action junkies—Nobody 2 is officially a go! Bob Odenkirk’s back to unleash his inner action hero, and this sequel might finally answer the burning question that we’re all waitin’ for. 

Here’s the thing: Nobody left us with a cliffhanger so juicy, it practically needed its own action sequence. Recall that mysterious phone call that sprung Hutch from jail. The first movie hinted it was a former colleague, but never spilled the beans. Was it a cleanup staff from a government agency? An enraged ally of the Russian mob? 

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Not all of this sequel is about flash fights and elaborate fighting scenes, though, let’s face it, that’s half the fun. This is an opportunity to solve the puzzle that has perplexed admirers since the beginning. Will Hutch’s former bosses show up to get revenge for disclosing his secrets? Is the Russian mob desperate for retribution? While we wait, one thing’s certain: Nobody 2 promises twice as much mystery and action!

The film Nobody 2 is all set to premiere on August 15, 2025. 

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Written by Heena Singh

Articles Published: 35