Bob Odenkirk, best known for his role as Saul Goodman in the hit series Better Call Saul, has expressed willingness to reprise the character—though only if the story takes place in prison. Although Odenkirk has moved towards action roles recently, notably in the film Nobody 2, he remains open to returning to the iconic role created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould under very specific conditions.
Odenkirk Reflects on the Possibility of Revisiting Saul Goodman
Though Bob Odenkirk is currently promoting Nobody 2, where he plays Hutch Mansell, the retired mercenary drawn back into conflict, the question of revisiting Saul Goodman came up during an interview with Today.com. Odenkirk acknowledged the legacy of the character and the creative brilliance behind its creation. He emphasized the quality of the writing team behind Better Call Saul, made up of some of the best television writers, and said he would return if they envisioned something new in that universe.
“Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould created that show. There are some of the best writers who ever worked on TV. So, if they were to think of something in that world, of course I would do it. But I don’t think so. I think they’ve all moved on to some more amazing projects that you’ll soon see. Look forward to the best written show on TV for years to come.”
—Bob Odenkirk, Actor
Despite this openness, Odenkirk believes the chances of another Better Call Saul installment are slim, as the show‘s creative team is pursuing new ventures outside the Breaking Bad universe.
From Breakout Role to New Challenges: Odenkirk’s Career Shift
Better Call Saul was a pivotal moment for Odenkirk’s career, elevating him to international fame. However, he acknowledges that both he and the creators have moved on to different projects. While the character of Saul Goodman may not return to his typical legal and criminal escapades, Odenkirk has a clear vision if there were to be a continuation. He insists that any further stories involving the character must unfold behind bars, underscoring the finality of Saul’s fate.
“He’s not getting out (of prison). If there’s another Saul show, it takes place inside prison. That part turned my life around, and I’ve given more to that part than anything I’ve done.”
—Bob Odenkirk, Actor
This comment highlights how deeply the role of Saul Goodman impacted Odenkirk’s life and career, marking it as a unique and transformative experience. Still, the actor seems content to leave the character confined to that chapter.
Odenkirk on Balancing Roles: Saul Goodman and Hutch Mansell
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Odenkirk described the emotional weight both Saul Goodman and Hutch Mansell carry, portraying men burdened by deep frustration and personal struggles. He pointed out that inhabiting such intense characters continuously is challenging, and he welcomes moving away from both roles. Nonetheless, Odenkirk expressed interest in continuing the journey of Hutch Mansell, envisioning future installments of the Nobody series that explore evolving family dynamics and personal growth.
“He was great, and I enjoyed playing him. Both Hutch Mansell in Nobody and Saul Goodman in Better Call Saul have a lot of impacted frustration inside them. They’re guys who, for different reasons, have pretty big chips on their shoulders, and that’s hard to play after a while. You can’t just carry that guy around all the time. So I’m fine with moving on from them both, although I would do more Hutch. I would do a third or fourth [Nobody] film.”
—Bob Odenkirk, Actor
“It would be about the journey of the family and the tensions that change as you move from one chapter to the next. You tell yourself, ‘This is going to be it now. I’m going to enjoy this chapter of my life, and I’m going to be carefree.'”
—Bob Odenkirk, Actor
Odenkirk’s reflections reveal his desire for storytelling that evolves with the characters’ personal and familial transformations, showing a preference for rich, character-driven narratives in his future work.
Impact and Future Prospects for Bob Odenkirk’s Roles
Bob Odenkirk’s connection to Saul Goodman remains deeply significant, both personally and professionally. Even so, he maintains a practical outlook about the possibility of returning to the character, limiting it to a prison-based storyline should it ever happen. Meanwhile, Odenkirk is actively engaged with the Nobody franchise and eager to extend that role’s development across multiple films.
The legacy of Better Call Saul as a groundbreaking series created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould continues to reverberate in television, influencing both audiences and industry professionals. While the future of Saul Goodman on screen looks uncertain, the enthusiasm and gratitude Odenkirk expresses for the character’s impact is unmistakable.
As Odenkirk moves forward, audiences can anticipate more layered roles, possibly with Hutch Mansell, blending intense dramatic elements with personal evolution, reflecting the actor’s own career trajectory beyond the world of Better Call Saul.
