'Breaking Bad' Universe Stars Reflect on Vince Gilligan's Signature Storytelling
Bryan Cranston and Rhea Seehorn, celebrated actors from the 'Breaking Bad' universe, recently sat down for the Variety and CNN Actors on Actors series to discuss their careers and shared experiences.
The "One Script at a Time" Approach
Both actors detailed the unique, secretive process of working on creator Vince Gilligan’s shows.
"We were given scripts one at a time, with no advance knowledge of the season's plot," both actors confirmed.
Cranston noted that this method was essential for his portrayal of Walter White. "I could not plan ahead for the character's twists," he explained. Seehorn echoed this sentiment, finding freedom in the lack of preplanning—even when asked if she wanted to know if her character, Kim Wexler, was lying.
A Memorable 'Breaking Bad' Twist
Cranston recounted a specific scene where he accused Gus Fring of poisoning a boy, only to learn later that his own character had done it. Remarkably, he stated he would not have changed his performance even if he had known.
Seehorn offered insight into the writers' room: "Gilligan and Peter Gould do not write to manipulate actors. They plant seeds to see what develops."
New Projects and Perceptions
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'Pluribus': Cranston praised the series for "flipping alien invasion tropes." Seehorn noted a telling difference in audience reaction: "Unlike Walter White, my character Carol has been called 'unlikable' for her realistic reaction to losing her wife, career, and facing a brain takeover."
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'Malcolm in the Middle': Cranston discussed returning to the sitcom after 20 years, noting that Hal remained "largely unchanged."
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'The Studio': Cranston described his role as "bonkers" and referenced a scene involving the Oscars that could "propel or destroy his career."
A Potential Reunion?
Seehorn expressed interest in working with Cranston again, referencing their brief, powerful scene together in Better Call Saul. In that moment, Cranston famously handed Aaron Paul a note.
Background
Cranston is best known as Walter White in Breaking Bad (2008-2013) and Hal in Malcolm in the Middle (2000-2006), a role he reprised in a 2025 revival. He also recently won an Emmy for comedy guest actor for The Studio. Seehorn played Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul (2015-2022) and now leads Pluribus, an Apple TV+ series created by Vince Gilligan.