Breaking Bad Spinoff: The Surprising Twist in Bob Odenkirk's Better Call Saul Journey

Bob Odenkirk initially had reservations about taking on the role of Saul Goodman in Better Call Saul. However, he ultimately had a change of heart. After Breaking Bad concluded in 2013, there was a suggestion to explore the world further with a prequel series centered around Saul Goodman, one of the most intriguing supporting characters from the show. Unlike many other crime-related characters, Saul managed to survive Breaking Bad, allowing the series to delve into his present-day storyline as well. Over the course of six seasons, Better Call Saul became a massive success, receiving widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards. However, this might not have been the case if Bob Odenkirk had declined to reprise his role.

Portraying the quick-witted, fast-talking lawyer is no easy feat, and not many actors could strike the delicate balance between Saul's obnoxious behavior and his undeniable charm and charisma. Odenkirk's background in comedy plays a significant role in his ability to bring this character to life, setting him apart from other leading men in dramatic series. In recent years, Bob Odenkirk has gained a level of respect and admiration that few other performers can claim, thanks to his contribution in giving depth and emotional resonance to the beloved and captivating fictional world of Better Call Saul. Let's take a closer look at why the actor was initially hesitant to accept the role and what ultimately convinced him to change his mind.

Bob Odenkirk Turned Down Better Call Saul For His Family (& Accepted It For The Same Reason)

Bob Odenkirk initially hesitated to accept the role in Better Call Saul due to the age of his teenage children. At the time, they were 14 and 12 years old, which made him feel unable to commit to the project. However, his children convinced him to reconsider and take on the opportunity. Odenkirk acknowledges that he always had confidence in the project, but his concern was that it might not reach its full potential. Nevertheless, he trusted the talented team of writers, including Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, and ultimately made the right decision to trust in their abilities.

Better Call Saul Wouldn't Have Worked Without Bob Odenkirk

Re-casting characters is not uncommon in Hollywood, but in the Breaking Bad universe, it would have been a challenge to accept. The level of attention to detail and consistency in this universe makes it difficult to imagine anyone else portraying Saul Goodman, especially considering Bob Odenkirk's exceptional performance. He played the character for 10 seasons across two shows, making it even more challenging to replace him on television compared to a film series.

While the supporting cast was outstanding and characters like Mike Ehrmentraut and Kim Wexler played crucial roles in the show's success, Saul served as the link between all the storylines. Better Call Saul relies on its protagonist to connect the realms of Albuquerque law and crime, and Bob Odenkirk's chemistry with every other actor made this seamless. Whether he was having explosive encounters with Howard Hamlin or facing off against the cartel, Bob Odenkirk's portrayal of Saul was consistently entertaining.

Better Call Saul Became Bob Odenkirk's Greatest Ever Role

Better Call Saul showcases Bob Odenkirk's finest performance, surpassing his previous roles on Mr. Show and Breaking Bad. Similar to James Gandolfini's portrayal of Tony Soprano and Bryan Cranston's depiction of Walter White, Odenkirk seamlessly embodies the character of Saul Goodman. The prequel series delves deeper into Goodman's psyche, revealing a vulnerability that was seldom seen in Breaking Bad. This transformation not only evokes sympathy for the criminal lawyer but also presents an opportunity for redemption by the series' conclusion. Considering his initial introduction in Breaking Bad, it would have been difficult to anticipate this remarkable evolution.