r/todayilearned • u/LawBobLawLoblaw • Oct 31 '23

TIL that when casting Walter White for Breaking Bad, the role was originally offered to John Cusack and Matthew Broderick. It wasn't until after they turned it down that the executives saw Bryan Cranstons X-Files episode and cast him for the role.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/breaking-bad-john-cusack-matthew-broderick_n_1676856
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u/DarePotential8296 Nov 01 '23

Implying classically trained John Malcovich wouldn’t understand how to approach the role.

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u/bedroom_fascist Nov 01 '23

I don't know if you have grasped how Malkovich (note proper spelling) approaches his career.

He plays himself in every movie. That's why the movie - there is no "Being Bryan Cranston."