Bob Odenkirk’s Career: From ‘Better Call Saul’ to ‘Nobody 2’

Bob Odenkirk is an American actor, writer, and comedian who has had one of the most remarkable and unexpected career trajectories in modern Hollywood. He first made his name as a highly influential writer in the world of sketch comedy, working on legendary shows like ‘Saturday Night Live’ and co-creating the cult classic ‘Mr. Show with Bob and David’. For decades, he was a celebrated figure in alternative comedy, known for his surreal and intelligent humor.

While comedy was his foundation, a single, iconic television role completely reinvented his public persona, revealing a profound and nuanced dramatic actor. This second act has transformed him from a comedy writer’s hero into a critically acclaimed leading man and even an unlikely action star. His journey is a testament to his incredible range, proving that he is a performer of surprising depth and immense talent.

‘Wayne’s World 2’ (1993)

Bob Odenkirk had a small role as a “Concert Nerd” in the comedy sequel ‘Wayne’s World 2’. The film continues the adventures of Wayne and Garth as they attempt to stage a massive rock concert called “Waynestock.” Odenkirk’s character appears in a brief, comedic scene.

This was one of his earliest appearances in a major studio film. At the time, he was primarily known as a comedy writer, and this small part was typical of the bit roles he would play throughout the 90s. It placed him alongside many other comedians in a popular and successful movie.

‘Clean Slate’ (1994)

In the comedy ‘Clean Slate’, Odenkirk played a cop. The film stars Dana Carvey as a private investigator who, after suffering a head injury, develops a form of amnesia where he forgets everything from the previous day each time he wakes up. He must solve a case while piecing together clues he leaves for himself.

This was another minor role in a mainstream comedy. His appearance was brief, but it kept him working on screen as he continued to build his reputation as a writer and performer in the comedy world.

‘The Truth About Cats & Dogs’ (1996)

Odenkirk appeared as a bookstore man in the romantic comedy ‘The Truth About Cats & Dogs’. The film is a modern take on the Cyrano de Bergerac story, about a radio veterinarian who, feeling insecure about her looks, asks her beautiful neighbor to impersonate her when a male listener wants to meet.

His small role was part of a charming and successful film. He played a quirky character in a bookstore, a classic setting for his brand of intelligent, slightly neurotic comedy.

‘The Cable Guy’ (1996)

In the dark comedy ‘The Cable Guy’, Odenkirk played Pete Kovacs, the brother of the main character. The film follows a lonely and obsessive cable installer who tries to force a friendship with one of his customers. Odenkirk’s character is seen during a chaotic family basketball game.

The role reunited him with Ben Stiller, who directed the film and with whom he had collaborated on ‘The Ben Stiller Show’. Although a small part, it was in a high-profile movie with major comedy stars, and his performance was memorable and funny.

‘Hacks’ (1997)

In the independent film ‘Hacks’, Odenkirk played a cellmate. The story is a comedy about a group of aspiring television writers who are struggling to make it in Hollywood. The film satirizes the process of writing for television and the challenges of the entertainment industry.

This was a small role in a low-budget film that was centered on the world of comedy writing, a subject Odenkirk knew very well. His participation was a nod to his own background and status within that community.

‘Can’t Stop Dancing’ (1999)

Odenkirk played a character named Simpson in ‘Can’t Stop Dancing’. The film is a comedy about a group of friends who are part of a competitive dance troupe. The story follows their personal and professional lives as they prepare for a major competition.

This was another supporting role in an independent comedy. His character was part of the quirky world of the film, which featured a variety of eccentric personalities in the competitive dance scene.

‘The Independent’ (2000)

In ‘The Independent’, Odenkirk played a figure in the film. The movie is a mockumentary about a legendary but unsuccessful B-movie director who has made over 400 terrible films. The story satirizes the world of low-budget and independent filmmaking.

As part of the film’s ensemble of comedic actors, Odenkirk contributed to its funny and absurd tone. His appearance was another example of his strong connections within the alternative comedy scene.

‘Dr. Dolittle 2’ (2001)

Odenkirk had a voice role in the family comedy sequel ‘Dr. Dolittle 2’. The film continues the story of a doctor who can talk to animals. In this installment, he tries to save a forest from being cut down by getting two endangered bears to mate. Odenkirk voiced an animal groupie and other forest animals.

This role was one of his early forays into voice acting for a major animated feature. His distinctive voice was a good fit for the comedic animal characters in the popular and successful family film.

‘Monkeybone’ (2001)

In the fantasy-comedy ‘Monkeybone’, Odenkirk played a head surgeon. The film is a mix of live-action and stop-motion animation about a cartoonist who falls into a coma and finds himself trapped in a surreal world with his own creations.

His role was a small, quirky part in a visually inventive but commercially unsuccessful film. He played the doctor who treats the main character at the beginning of the movie, setting the strange and chaotic story in motion.

‘Run Ronnie Run’ (2002)

Odenkirk co-starred as Terry Twillstein in ‘Run Ronnie Run!’, a film he also co-wrote. The movie is a spin-off from his sketch comedy series ‘Mr. Show’ and follows the story of a talentless but lovable redneck who becomes a reality TV star for his ability to get arrested.

The film was a major project for Odenkirk and his ‘Mr. Show’ collaborator, David Cross. While the movie had a troubled production and was not a commercial success, it has since become a cult classic among fans of their unique brand of surreal and satirical humor.

‘Melvin Goes to Dinner’ (2003)

Odenkirk directed his first feature film, ‘Melvin Goes to Dinner’, in which he also played the supporting role of Keith. The movie follows a group of acquaintances who, during a long dinner conversation, discover they are all connected in surprising ways.

The film was a critical success, praised for its smart script and naturalistic performances. It established Odenkirk as a talented and sensitive director with a gift for character-driven stories. The project was a significant step in his career behind the camera.

‘My Big Fat Independent Movie’ (2004)

In ‘My Big Fat Independent Movie’, Odenkirk played Steve. The film is a parody that spoofs some of the most famous independent films of the time, such as ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘Memento’. The story is a collection of sketches and scenes that mock indie film clichés.

His appearance in the film was another example of his deep roots in the independent comedy scene. He was one of many well-known comedic actors who made an appearance in the satirical movie.

‘Sarah Silverman: Jesus Is Magic’ (2005)

Odenkirk appeared as the manager in the concert film ‘Sarah Silverman: Jesus Is Magic’. The movie is a mix of stand-up comedy, musical numbers, and sketch-like backstage scenes. He played the manager in the scripted segments that frame the concert performance.

This role continued his long history of collaborating with other major figures in the alternative comedy world. His performance was a funny part of the film’s unique and unconventional structure.

‘Cake Boy’ (2005)

In ‘Cake Boy’, Odenkirk played Darnell Hawk. The film is an independent comedy about a young man who dreams of becoming a professional baker. The story follows his journey as he tries to break into the competitive world of baking.

This was a supporting role in a small, quirky film. His character was one of the eccentric personalities that the protagonist meets on his journey.

‘Danny Roane: First Time Director’ (2006)

Odenkirk played Pete Kesselmen in ‘Danny Roane: First Time Director’. The film is a mockumentary about an alcoholic television actor who is given the chance to direct his first movie. The story satirizes the process of filmmaking and the culture of Hollywood.

As part of the ensemble cast, he played a character within the film’s fictional movie production. The role was another part that drew on his extensive experience in the entertainment industry.

‘Relative Strangers’ (2006)

In the comedy ‘Relative Strangers’, Odenkirk played Mitch Clayton. The film is about a successful self-help author who discovers that he was adopted and that his biological parents are a crude, working-class couple. Mitch is the main character’s brother.

He was part of a strong comedic cast in this mainstream comedy. The role allowed him to play a more conventional character in a classic “fish-out-of-water” story.

‘Operation: Endgame’ (2009)

In the action-comedy ‘Operation: Endgame’, Odenkirk played the Emperor. The film is about two rival teams of government spies who, after their boss is murdered, are locked in their underground headquarters and forced to kill each other.

The film was a dark and violent comedy with a large ensemble cast. His role as the head of the secret spy organization was a quirky and memorable part of the chaotic story.

‘Son of Morning’ (2011)

Odenkirk appeared as Fred Charles in ‘Son of Morning’. The film is a satirical comedy about an advertising copywriter who, after a religious experience, comes to believe he is the second coming of Jesus Christ. The story follows his rise as a reluctant new messiah.

He played a supporting role in this independent film that explored themes of faith and celebrity in a humorous way. His character was part of the strange world that the protagonist must navigate.

‘Take Me Home Tonight’ (2011)

In ‘Take Me Home Tonight’, Odenkirk played Mike. The film is a retro comedy set in the 1980s about a recent college graduate who tries to figure out his future over the course of one wild Labor Day weekend. Mike is the main character’s strict and demanding boss at a video store.

The role was a fun supporting part in a nostalgic comedy. He was funny as the overbearing and slightly nerdy manager, adding another memorable character to the film’s 80s setting.

‘The Giant Mechanical Man’ (2012)

Odenkirk played Mark in ‘The Giant Mechanical Man’. The film is a romantic comedy about a quiet woman who falls for a street performer who works as a silver-painted “living statue.” Mark is the woman’s well-meaning but overbearing brother-in-law.

He delivered a warm and funny performance as the concerned family member. The role was a charming part in a sweet and quirky independent film.

‘Ass Backwards’ (2013)

In the independent comedy ‘Ass Backwards’, Odenkirk played a pageant MC. The film is a road trip comedy about two delusional best friends who travel back to their hometown to compete in a beauty pageant they lost as children.

His role as the slightly sleazy and enthusiastic host of the beauty pageant was a hilarious and perfect fit for his comedic talents. The part was a memorable cameo in the quirky and absurd film.

‘Dealin’ with Idiots’ (2013)

Odenkirk played Coach Jimbo in ‘Dealin’ with Idiots’. The film is a semi-improvised comedy about a famous comedian who decides to study the hyper-competitive and often crazy parents at his son’s youth baseball league. Coach Jimbo is one of the intense and funny parents.

The film’s improvisational style was a great showcase for his comedic skills. He was part of a talented cast of comedians who brought the hilarious world of youth sports to life.

‘The Spectacular Now’ (2013)

In the acclaimed coming-of-age drama ‘The Spectacular Now’, Odenkirk played Dan. He is the main character’s boss at a men’s clothing store. Dan is a friendly and supportive figure who offers the teenage protagonist some much-needed guidance.

The role was a small but important dramatic part in a critically praised film. He brought a sense of warmth and stability to the character, providing a contrast to the main character’s more chaotic life. It was an early sign of the powerful dramatic work to come.

‘Movie 43’ (2013)

In the infamous anthology comedy ‘Movie 43’, Odenkirk appeared in the “Find Our Daughter” segment. The film is a collection of interconnected and outrageously crude short films. In his segment, he played a private investigator in a parody of a 1970s TV show.

The film was widely panned by critics but is known for its incredible and bizarre cast of major stars. His participation was part of one of the most notorious and strange studio comedies ever made.

‘Nebraska’ (2013)

In Alexander Payne’s acclaimed film ‘Nebraska’, Odenkirk played Ross Grant. The movie is a black-and-white road trip dramedy about an elderly man who is convinced he has won a million-dollar sweepstakes prize and travels to Nebraska to collect it. Ross is the main character’s older brother, a local news anchor.

His performance was a perfect blend of comedy and drama. He convincingly played the more successful but less patient son, and his interactions with his family were both funny and deeply touching. The role in the award-nominated film was a major step in his transition to more serious dramatic work.

‘Boulevard’ (2014)

In the drama ‘Boulevard’, Odenkirk played Winston. The film is about a married but closeted 60-year-old man who begins to confront his true identity after he meets a young male prostitute. Winston is the main character’s best friend, who is concerned about his strange behavior.

The supporting role was a serious and dramatic part in a powerful character study. He played a loyal and caring friend, delivering a subtle and empathetic performance in one of Robin Williams’ final films.

‘Hell and Back’ (2015)

Odenkirk voiced the Devil in the R-rated stop-motion animated comedy ‘Hell and Back’. The film is about two best friends who must travel to Hell to rescue their other friend after he is accidentally dragged there.

His voice was a perfect fit for the comically theatrical and slightly insecure ruler of Hell. The performance was a hilarious highlight in the dark and irreverent animated film.

‘Freaks of Nature’ (2015)

In the horror-comedy ‘Freaks of Nature’, Odenkirk played Shooter Parker. The film is set in a town where vampires, humans, and zombies all live together in relative peace until an alien invasion throws everything into chaos. Shooter is the father of one of the main characters and a former human who has become a zombie.

The role was a fun and gory part in a high-concept monster movie. He was funny as the friendly but brain-eating zombie dad, adding another quirky character to his long list of credits.

‘Better Call Saul’ (2015–2022)

Odenkirk delivered the performance of his career as Jimmy McGill / Saul Goodman in ‘Better Call Saul’. The series is a prequel to the acclaimed show ‘Breaking Bad’, and it follows the transformation of a well-meaning but morally flexible lawyer, Jimmy McGill, into the flashy and corrupt criminal lawyer, Saul Goodman.

The role earned him numerous major award nominations and universal critical acclaim. He masterfully portrayed Jimmy’s tragic and often hilarious journey with incredible depth, humor, and pathos. The performance solidified his status as one of the finest dramatic actors on television and is his most iconic role.

‘Girlfriend’s Day’ (2017)

Odenkirk wrote, produced, and starred in the Netflix film ‘Girlfriend’s Day’. The movie is a quirky neo-noir comedy set in a city where greeting card writers are celebrated like movie stars. He played Ray Wentworth, a once-great romance card writer who gets caught up in a deadly conspiracy.

The film was a passion project for Odenkirk and a return to his more surreal and satirical comedy roots. It was a unique and clever parody of classic noir films, and his performance as the down-on-his-luck writer was both funny and melancholic.

‘The Post’ (2017)

In Steven Spielberg’s historical drama ‘The Post’, Odenkirk played Ben Bagdikian. He is the tenacious and principled journalist who was instrumental in obtaining the Pentagon Papers, a top-secret government study about the Vietnam War. The film is about the Washington Post’s decision to publish the documents.

Being cast in a major role in a Steven Spielberg film alongside legendary actors was a huge milestone. He delivered a powerful and convincing performance, capturing the real-life journalist’s courage and determination. The role in the award-nominated film further cemented his reputation as a serious dramatic actor.

‘No Activity’ (2017–2018, 2021)

Odenkirk had a recurring role as Greg in the comedy series ‘No Activity’. The show follows the mundane and often hilarious conversations between various pairs of characters who are involved in a major drug cartel operation. Greg is a port commissioner who is being surveilled by two low-level detectives.

The show’s largely improvised style was a great showcase for his comedic talents. He had great chemistry with his scene partners, and his character’s strange and funny interactions were a highlight of the series.

‘Incredibles 2’ (2018)

In the Pixar sequel ‘Incredibles 2’, Odenkirk voiced Winston Deavor. He is a wealthy and charming telecommunications tycoon who, along with his sister, wants to bring superheroes back into the public eye. He is a huge fan of superheroes and is the driving force behind their public rehabilitation.

Voicing a key character in a massive and beloved Pixar film introduced him to a new and younger audience. His warm and enthusiastic performance was a perfect fit for the optimistic and charismatic character. The film was a colossal box office success.

‘Long Shot’ (2019)

In the romantic comedy ‘Long Shot’, Odenkirk played President Chambers. He is a former TV actor who has become the bumbling and self-obsessed President of the United States. He decides not to run for a second term so he can pursue a movie career.

He was hilarious as the vain and incompetent president. The satirical role allowed him to showcase his incredible comedic timing and his ability to play ridiculously self-assured characters.

‘Little Women’ (2019)

In Greta Gerwig’s acclaimed adaptation of ‘Little Women’, Odenkirk played Father Robert March. He is the kind and patriotic patriarch of the March family, who is away serving as a chaplain in the Civil War for much of the story.

Though his screen time was limited, his presence was warm and deeply felt. The role of the beloved father in a prestigious and award-nominated literary adaptation was a testament to his growing stature as a respected dramatic actor.

‘Nobody’ (2021)

Odenkirk reinvented himself once again as an action star in ‘Nobody’. He played Hutch Mansell, a seemingly ordinary and mild-mannered suburban dad. When his family is threatened, it is revealed that he is actually a retired government assassin, and he is drawn back into a world of brutal violence.

His transformation into a convincing action hero was a huge and welcome surprise for audiences. He trained extensively for the role, performing most of his own stunts. The film was a critical and commercial success, and his performance was praised for being both intense and surprisingly funny.

‘Life Upside Down’ (2022)

In ‘Life Upside Down’, Odenkirk played Jonathan Wigglesworth. The film is a romantic comedy that follows three different couples who are forced to navigate their relationships while in isolation during the early days of the pandemic.

He played one of the central characters in this timely and relatable story. The film explored the challenges of modern relationships, and his performance was part of a strong ensemble cast.

‘Lucky Hank’ (2023)

Odenkirk returned to television as the lead in the series ‘Lucky Hank’. He played William Henry “Hank” Devereaux Jr., the cynical and world-weary chairman of the English department at an underfunded college. The show is a dark comedy that follows Hank’s midlife crisis as he deals with his dysfunctional colleagues and family.

The role was a perfect vehicle for Odenkirk’s unique blend of comedy and drama. He brilliantly captured the character’s witty sarcasm and his underlying melancholy. The performance was another critically praised leading turn on television.

‘The Bear’ (2023, 2025)

Odenkirk had a memorable guest role as Uncle Lee in the acclaimed television series ‘The Bear’. He appeared in a special flashback episode that showed a chaotic and incredibly tense Christmas dinner with the Berzatto family. Uncle Lee is a cynical and argumentative figure who clashes with other members of the family.

His performance was a powerful and intense part of one of the most celebrated television episodes of the year. The role allowed him to showcase his incredible dramatic abilities in a short but unforgettable appearance. He is set to return in a future season.

‘Nobody 2’ (2025)

Odenkirk reprises his role as the surprising action hero Hutch Mansell in ‘Nobody 2’. The sequel continues the story of the former government assassin who is pulled back into a dangerous world he tried to leave behind. The film promises more of the inventive and brutal action that made the first movie a hit.

His return to the role was highly anticipated by fans. The success of the first film established a new and exciting phase of his career, and this sequel solidifies his status as a legitimate and beloved action star.

From his legendary comedy writing to his dramatic triumphs, which part of Bob Odenkirk’s incredible career do you find most impressive?