“Really? Isn’t there anybody else?”: Bryan Cranston’s One Scene From ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ Horrified Breaking Bad Execs, Couldn’t Accept Him as the Show’s Lead
The world changed when Bryan Cranston appeared in his tighty-whities in the opening scenes of AMC’s Breaking Bad. Hailed as one the greatest actors for the critically acclaimed series, Cranston found fame and adoration from around the world for his role as Walter White in the series.
Before his dangerous portrayal of Walter White, however, Bryan Cranston starred in the role of Hal in the American sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. Portraying a completely opposite character to that of Heisenberg, the AMC executives had to be convinced that Cranston was indeed the right choice for the role of Walter White.
When AMC Executives Had To Be Conviced For Bryan Cranston In Breaking Bad
It is almost impossible to think of a world where Bryan Cranston did not play Walter White in AMC’s Breaking Bad. Not in danger, but being the danger, Cranston portrayed the role beautifully for 5 years until the end in 2013.
Also read: “I know they’re not gonna let me do it”: Bryan Cranston Claims ‘Breaking Bad’ Creator Believed His Show Was Doomed From the Start For This Weird Reason
Before Cranston was cast in the role, he was known for portraying the character of Hal in the American sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. A loving father who took care of his family, the AMC executives were really concerned whether Cranston could pull off a role as serious as that of Walter White. In an interview, an AMC executive talked about how they had this image of Bryan Cranston shaving for one of the scenes of the sitcom stuck in their head.
“We all still had the image of Bryan shaving his body in ‘Malcolm in the Middle. We were like, ‘Really? Isn’t there anybody else?’”
The studio then decided to offer the role to Matthew Broderick and John Cusack with both actors turning down the role. It was only later that the studio decided to give Bryan Cranston a chance and they never looked back.
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Bryan Cranston Paid Tribute To Breaking Bad Co-star Mark Margolis
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Mark Margolis was an actor beloved in the Breaking Bad franchise for portraying the role of Hector Salamanca. It was recently announced to the heartbreak of fans that the actor had passed away. Soon after the announcement, Bryan Cranston wrote a heartfelt note for the dear actor.
“I am very saddened today to learn of a friend’s passing. Mark Margolis was a really good actor and a lovely human being. Fun and engaging off the set, intimidating and frightening on set. His quiet nature belied his mischievous nature and curious mind…and he loved sharing a good joke. I miss him already. Rest now, Mark and thank you for your friendship and your exceptional body of work.”
Alongside Cranston, the world wept with the sad demise of Mark Margolis. His portrayal as Hector Salamanca will be forever remembered as one of the best characters throughout television. AMC’s Breaking Bad is available to stream on Netflix in the U.S.
