[Watch] Inside Aaron Paul’s Audition That Landed Him ‘Breaking Bad’

Aaron Paul’s path to becoming Jesse Pinkman on Breaking Bad wasn’t as smooth as fans might think.

In a 2019 interview with The Guardian, Paul reflected on how the role transformed his career. “A lot of people will always see me as Jesse, and I take that as a compliment,” he said. “The show was a game changer. At the beginning of my career, I was not great. Even at the beginning of Breaking Bad – I was OK, I got the job. But I grew so much as an actor. Everyone saw it.”

Despite his eventual success, Paul’s audition was far from flawless. Nerves got the better of him, and he even flubbed a line during the audition, leaving the room convinced he had blown the opportunity.

“Oh my god, I just f**** this up! And so, I walk out, and I’m just biting my nails ’cause I was desperate. I mean, I really have no money. I don’t have any money,” Paul recalled to Acting Magazine. The role meant more than just artistic fulfillment, it was a lifeline at a time when he was struggling financially.

You can check out the audition on YouTube.

The turning point came when Vince Gilligan, the creator of Breaking Bad, saw something special in Paul. Despite hesitation from other decision-makers, Gilligan insisted on casting him as Jesse Pinkman, a choice that would define Paul’s career. His performance became iconic, earning critical acclaim and making Jesse one of television’s most memorable characters.

After Breaking Bad, Paul built on his success with both TV and film projects. He appeared in HBO’s Westworld and took roles in movies like Need for Speed. He even returned to the Breaking Bad universe with El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, reprising his role as Jesse and giving fans closure to the character’s story.

Aaron Paul’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of the right mentor. Gilligan’s belief in him changed his life, proving that sometimes one chance can make all the difference.

Paul’s story also shows the long-term impact of a defining role. Even years after Breaking Bad, he remains closely associated with Jesse Pinkman, a character that elevated him from struggling actor to global recognition.

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