Before they became famous as television’s most notorious duo in Breaking Bad, Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul nearly shared the screen in a much lighter setting, which is a little-known fact in the history of TV casting. The story of Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul’s near collaboration before Breaking Bad uncovers surprising twists of fate, missed opportunities, and the paths that led both actors to their defining roles.
A Missed Sitcom Partnership That Shaped Television Careers
Years before Breaking Bad, there was a chance that Aaron Paul would work with Bryan Cranston on Malcolm in the Middle. Paul pursued a role on the show, hoping to play Francis, the wild eldest son of the Wilkerson family. According to production lore, the show’s producers did not allow Paul to even audition for the part, which ultimately went to Chris Masterson.
Looking back, this rejection proved significant for Paul, who reflected on his early interest in joining the sitcom:
“I read the pilot… I desperately wanted to audition,”
—Aaron Paul, Actor (Reddit AMA)
Despite his hope to become part of the Wilkerson chaos, the casting decision went another way. Paul later acknowledged that missing out on the role was likely a blessing in disguise, noting:
“I definitely wouldn’t have gotten the role of Jesse Pinkman,”
—Aaron Paul, Actor (Reddit AMA)
Had he been recognized from plays in that comedic environment, Paul suggests he may never have been cast as Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad, a role that brought him both critical acclaim and multiple Emmy awards. This turn allowed both actors to collaborate in television history’s darker, more complex story.
Bryan Cranston’s Unique Path from Goofy Dad to Antihero
When Bryan Cranston auditioned for Hal in Malcolm in the Middle, he impressed series creator Linwood Boomer with his subtle comedic flair. Boomer was particularly taken with Cranston’s approach during the audition, remembering:
“He looked like he was building a rocketship in his head,”
—Linwood Boomer, Creator (via Looper)
Cranston’s performance introduced layers of nervous energy and comic vulnerability to the character, making Hal memorable. Eventually, Cranston’s portrayal as the bumbling yet lovable father provided a stark contrast to his later role as Walter White in Breaking Bad.
For Aaron Paul, learning that Cranston would play Walter White was perplexing at first:
“I knew they were getting the goofy dad from Malcolm in the Middle,”
—Aaron Paul, Actor
“which confused me. But I was also very excited at the chance to work with Bryan.”
—Aaron Paul, Actor
Paul’s surprise shifted to excitement, eager to see what Cranston could do in a much darker setting. The result was one of TV’s most compelling partnerships, but with origins rooted firmly in the missed opportunity on Malcolm in the Middle.
On-Set Pranks and the Aftermath of Missed Opportunities
Though Aaron Paul missed out on Malcolm in the Middle, his relationship with Bryan Cranston during Breaking Bad became a foundational element of the series’s success. Their camaraderie extended off screen, too, often manifesting in pranks and lighthearted tension between the two.
Aaron Paul described his co-star’s mischievous on-set behavior in an interview, saying:
“the most immature person I’ve ever met in my life,”
—Aaron Paul, Actor
This teasing, however, was always intermixed with deep respect. One memorable prank involved Cranston convincing Paul that his character, Jesse Pinkman, would be killed off. The ruse was convincing, with Cranston giving Paul a dramatic hug and cryptically adding:
“at least you go out in a big way,”
—Bryan Cranston, Actor (as told by Paul)
The deception was furthered by “fake” casket measurements being taken by the costume department, sending Paul into a panic until he was able to confirm in the script that Jesse would survive. This episode was especially cruel given that Jesse Pinkman was originally scheduled to die in the first season but stayed through to the finale, even starring in the sequel film El Camino.
The Legacy of Missed Chances and New Beginnings
Although Aaron Paul never joined the cast of Malcolm in the Middle, missing out on that sitcom role allowed both him and Bryan Cranston to eventually come together in a way that would alter their careers and television history. The intersection of fate and casting choices led Paul to Jesse Pinkman and reunited him with Cranston, the “goofy dad” turned criminal mastermind Walter White.
This story not only highlights the unpredictable nature of television casting but also underscores how the right casting decisions can have ripple effects across an industry. Fans can still watch Malcolm in the Middle on streaming services such as Hulu and Disney Plus, appreciating the roles Cranston played before and after his transition to antihero fame, while the story of Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul’s near collaboration before Breaking Bad remains a testament to how timing and chance can shape entertainment legends.
