Jonathan Banks’ Improvised Breaking Bad Audition Proves He Was Perfect To Play Mike
One improvised moment in Jonathan Banks' audition to play Mike in Breaking Bad showed the potential the role had in his hands and got him the part.
SUMMARY
- Jonathan Banks’ improvised slap during his audition for Breaking Bad impressed the producers and ultimately got him the role of Mike Ehrmantraut.
- The chemistry between Banks and Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, contributed to the success of their on-screen duo and became one of the most beloved aspects of the show.
- The improvised slap reflected Mike’s no-nonsense approach to the world and solidified Banks as the perfect fit for the character.
One improvised moment in Jonathan Banks’ audition for the role of Mike Ehrmantraut in Breaking Bad got him the part of a lifetime, and underscores why he was so perfect for the character. Breaking Bad is not only one of the best TV shows of all time, according to fans and critics, but it also modified the industry landscape forever by changing the way audiences relate to series and, at the same time, the way TV products are made. The show’s greatness lies in Vince Gilligan’s writing, which perfectly combines plot writing and character writing. However, one of the cornerstones of Breaking Bad is its cast.
There is no need to point out that, for Anna Gunn, Bryan Cranston, and Aaron Paul, their Breaking Bad characters were the roles of a lifetime. However, Bob Odenkirk as Saul Goodman and Jonathan Banks as Mike were two supporting characters who gradually became so important to the show that they escalated to the point of having their own spinoff series with Better Call Saul. Mike, in particular, is a deep character and fan-favorite from both shows due to his superb writing. However, what takes Mike to another level is Banks’ performance, who, from the very beginning, proved to be the best fit for the role.