During the casting process for the character Saul Goodman on “Breaking Bad,” several actors were in contention. One of these candidates eventually landed a role in the spinoff series, “Better Call Saul.” Alan Sepinwall’s latest book, titled “Saul Goodman v. Jimmy McGill: The Complete Critical Companion to Better Call Saul,” primarily offers an episode-by-episode breakdown analyzing each installment of the “Breaking Bad” spinoff. However, it also includes interviews with the show’s cast and crew, revealing intriguing behind-the-scenes details about the production of “Better Call Saul.
In an interesting turn of events, it’s worth noting that the series Breaking Bad almost didn’t include the character of Saul. AMC considered eliminating him due to scheduling conflicts with another actor, which led the writers to create a lawyer for Walt and Jesse instead. If not for these complications, Saul might have never been brought to life by Bob Odenkirk, the talented comedian-turned-actor who made the character so popular that he eventually starred in his own show. A different casting choice would have significantly altered the course of the series.
Bob Odenkirk Was Always Breaking Bad’s Top Choice For Saul Goodman, But Michael McKean Was Also Considered For The Role
Jimmy Could’ve Been Played By Chuck
In the series Better Call Saul, its co-creator Peter Gould recounts that during the auditions for the role of Saul in Breaking Bad, Bob Odenkirk was the top choice. However, there were other actors who were also under consideration for the part. Gould can’t recall many of the other contenders because he was a big fan of Mr. Show and had hoped that Odenkirk would land the role. The only other candidate he distinctly remembers is Michael McKean.
In a logical progression, McKean indeed assumed the role of Chuck McGill, Jimmy’s brother, in the spinoff series. Interestingly, Chuck is almost the polar opposite of Jimmy: he maintains an air of seriousness, rigidly adheres to rules, and views his brother’s actions as a mockery of the law. Given McKean’s stellar portrayal of Jimmy’s adversary, it’s challenging to envision him as Jimmy himself. The character of Saul Goodman might have developed quite differently if McKean had been cast in the main role.
Saul Would’ve Been A Very Different Character If McKean Had Played Him
McKean Probably Would’ve Played A Much Drier Saul
Similar to Odenkirk, McKean was well-known for his comedic performances prior to the Breaking Bad series unveiling his dramatic talents. McKean graced the screens in the sitcom Laverne & Shirley and the timeless comedy This is Spinal Tap, and he spent a couple of seasons as a cast member on Saturday Night Live. However, had McKean played Saul, it would have been quite distinct from Odenkirk’s portrayal. Instead of the fast-talking, Robert Evans-like character that Odenkirk brought to life, McKean might have given a more subdued performance, which could have significantly altered Breaking Bad and subsequently Better Call Saul.
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2025-05-04 12:37