RJ Mitte Opened up About the ‘Breaking Bad’ Scene That Put Him Under the Most Pressure in His Final Interview
Fans around the world are still mourning RJ Mitte, who died on Monday at the age of 34. For 5 seasons, Mitte played Walter White Jr., the son of Bryan Cranston’s Walter White and Anna Gunn’s Skyler, in one of television’s most acclaimed dramas, ‘Breaking Bad’.
In the days since his death, many viewers have been revisiting his work and his words. Just about a week earlier, Mitte had appeared on ‘The Joe Vulpis Podcast’ to promote his work and reflect on the role that changed his life.
During the conversation, Mitte was asked about the most challenging moment of his time on the show. He singled out Walt Jr.’s final phone call with his father, a conversation that takes place while Walt Jr. is at school.
Mitte explained that it was one of the most complicated scenes he ever had to film, noting that it marks the last time the character speaks to his dad. He admitted he felt a great deal of pressure to get the scene right. He also reflected that he didn’t fully understand the scene when he shot it. Looking back years later, Mitte said he now understands it much better than he did at the time.
Mitte also looked back on the explosive confrontation in ‘Ozymandias’, the Season 5 episode directed by Rian Johnson that is widely regarded as the series’ finest hour. In the episode, Walt Jr. witnesses a violent struggle between his parents and calls 911 on his father.
He described it as the only real action scene he had during the series, saying he was excited about it at first before realizing how intense it would be. Mitte called the moment a defining one for his character, as Walt Jr. is forced to choose a side after learning the truth about his father.
He also shared a behind-the-scenes detail about the choreography. The scene involved Mitte tossing Cranston, and he revealed they had to shoot it twice because he got the first toss wrong and nearly hurt his co-star.
Mitte also shared his thoughts on where Walt Jr., also known as Flynn, might be now. He suggested the character would not have been able to benefit from the money his father left behind.
Instead, he imagined Flynn working a dead-end job to support his mother and sister. Mitte added that he believed the character would still hold a serious grudge against Jesse Pinkman, played by Aaron Paul, for drawing Walt into the meth trade.
In the same interview, Mitte admitted he never enjoyed watching himself on screen. He said doing so had never helped him as an actor. He also recalled how he landed the role, describing his audition as one of the longest of his life. He was among the last main cast members to join the series.
Podcast host Joe Vulpis has since said he was shocked by Mitte’s death, describing him as an extremely positive presence during their conversation. For many fans, the interview offers a final glimpse at an actor who cared deeply about honoring his character.
Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy like Walt Jr., also became a passionate advocate for people with disabilities. His work with United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s remains an important part of his legacy.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available; in the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or contact local support services wherever you are.
Which RJ Mitte scene from ‘Breaking Bad’ stayed with you the most?
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