Bob Odenkirk’s portrayal of Saul Goodman in Better Call Saul has become a defining element of television drama, but recently uncovered insights reveal that the role was nearly given to a different actor. Developed as a spin-off from Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul premiered years after the original series but quickly gained acclaim for its intense character study centered around Odenkirk’s remarkable interpretation. The revelation that Michael McKean, who would go on to play Chuck McGill, was once considered for Saul Goodman, not only surprises devoted fans, but also invites speculation about how the show’s tone and impact might have shifted had someone else been cast.
Set six years before the events of Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul explores Jimmy McGill’s journey from a struggling con artist to the clever, morally ambiguous attorney, Saul Goodman. The series bridges the worlds of courtroom drama and crime thriller, skillfully weaving foreshadowing and callbacks to its predecessor, while standing apart through unique storytelling and dramatic heft. From the start, Bob Odenkirk’s performance captured a mixture of sharp intelligence, desperation, and disarming humor. Yet, according to Alan Sepinwall’s detailed book unveiling the behind-the-scenes process, the role of Saul was nearly filled by another standout actor from the show’s own cast.
The casting process revealed that Michael McKean, a celebrated actor known for his comedic beginnings and later his intense dramatic work, was a serious contender for the part of Saul Goodman. Ultimately, McKean was cast as Jimmy’s older brother, Chuck McGill—a figure defined by rigid morality and a tormented sense of betrayal. Their dynamic forms the narrative backbone of the series, creating a stark contrast between two brothers caught in a cycle of rivalry and disappointment. Producer interviews included in Sepinwall’s account confirm,
Chuck McGill’s role in Better Call Saul stands as more than just a side character; he is Jimmy’s greatest obstacle and, in many ways, his polar opposite. While Jimmy breaks and bends legal ethics to win, Chuck clings to procedure and self-righteousness, unable to see the potential hidden within his younger sibling. The friction between Bob Odenkirk and Michael McKean onscreen drives some of the series’ most memorable moments. Across multiple seasons, their escalating battles highlight their differences, from playful rivalry to acts of sabotage, giving viewers a window into both men’s emotional vulnerabilities.
The chemistry between Bob Odenkirk and McKean is undeniable, with critics frequently praising the nuanced performances that make the brothers’ relationship feel so authentic. Both actors received Primetime Emmy nominations for their work on Better Call Saul—a rare feat highlighting the exceptional depth and resonance they brought to their characters. The actors’ real-life trajectories are remarkably similar as well, both emerging from comedic backgrounds. Bob Odenkirk made his mark as a writer on Saturday Night Live before branching into acting, including notable stints on The Larry Sanders Show. McKean rose to fame on Laverne and Shirley, later exploring both comedic and dramatic roles. Their shared ability to blend humor and gravity brought richness to their on-screen dynamic.
Yet, these parallel backgrounds did not translate into the same approach to the character. If Michael McKean had become Saul Goodman, showrunners speculate, the character might have taken on a much darker, more calculating tone. McKean’s Chuck is methodical and sometimes cruel, guiding the audience to imagine a version of Saul far more menacing and less impulsively relatable. As Sepinwall writes in his analysis,
The impact of having Bob Odenkirk as the starring presence of Better Call Saul extends beyond casting choices. His Saul Goodman has a unique combination of likability and cunning; viewers find themselves rooting for him even as he skirts ethical boundaries. The contrast with McKean’s rigid and unyielding portrayal of Chuck intensifies the drama, creating layers of emotional tension that fuel the series’ most intense storylines. The push and pull between loyalty and betrayal, affection and resentment, achieve remarkable depth due to the skill with which Bob Odenkirk and McKean interpret their characters.
Throughout the show, Saul Goodman’s relationships with other characters, including returning figures from Breaking Bad, are marked by complexity, humor, and, at times, sorrow. Forces much larger than Jimmy, such as the intimidating cartel members, certainly play their part, but it is his bond with Chuck—and by extension, the dynamic between Bob Odenkirk and Michael McKean—that elevates the stakes. As the seasons unfold, viewers watch the two brothers oscillate between moments of warmth and deep antagonism, ultimately driving the narrative forward with each difficult choice.
The series masterfully closes gaps left by Breaking Bad, providing audiences with a deeper understanding of one of its most enigmatic characters. Odenkirk’s interpretation balances Saul Goodman’s flaws with his charm and wit, creating a persona viewers want to understand more deeply. If a more severe and less playful Saul had emerged through McKean’s acting, much of the moral ambiguity and tension embedded in the show might have been lost. Fans and critics alike recognize that Bob Odenkirk’s particular mixture of vulnerability and guile is essential to the lasting appeal of Better Call Saul.
The decision to cast Bob Odenkirk over Michael McKean is now seen as a pivotal moment for the series—a creative choice that shaped its emotional tone and critical success. Looking back, the possibility of a different Saul Goodman is both tantalizing and unsettling, prompting reflection on how vital casting decisions are in shaping a story’s legacy. As audiences anticipate potential new projects connected to this universe, the enduring power of Bob Odenkirk’s Saul Goodman stands as a testament to inspired performance and creative vision, promising that his shadow will linger over the franchise for years to come.
