'Breaking Bad' creator fears Hollywood has glamorized bad guys: 'They become aspirational'
Vince Gilligan wants Hollywood to take a break from bad guys.
At the Writers Guild of America Awards on Saturday, the "Breaking Bad" creator expressed concern about films and TV shows glamorizing evil characters like his show's protagonist Walter White (Bryan Cranston).
"For decades, we've made the villains too sexy," Gilligan said. "When we create characters as indelible as Michael Corleone or Hannibal Lecter or Darth Vader or Tony Soprano, viewers everywhere pay attention. They say, 'Man, those dudes are badass! I want to be that cool.'
"When that happens, fictional bad guys stop being the cautionary tales that they were intended to be. God help us, they become aspirational."
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Gilligan was honored at the ceremony with the Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for achievement in television writing, and he noted he was there "because of 'Breaking Bad' and Walter White." But though he is "proud" of the character, a cancer-stricken teacher who begins making meth to provide for his family, Gilligan said he would "rather be celebrated for creating someone a bit more inspiring" − especially in today's environment.
"In 2025, it's time to say that out loud, because we are living in an era where bad guys, the real-life kind, are running amok," he said. "Bad guys who make their own rules. Bad guys who, no matter what they tell you, are only out for themselves."
Though Gilligan did not specify who he sees as today's real-life bad guys, he quipped, "Who am I talking about? Well, this is Hollywood, so guess."
The Emmy winner implored the room full of television and film writers to "write more good guys," suggesting that characters like George Bailey from "It's a Wonderful Life" and Andy Taylor from "The Andy Griffith Show" "made our country a little bit better during some other tough times in our history."
"If I had created them, I'd be proud, indeed," he added.
After "Breaking Bad" ended in 2013, Gilligan co-created the spinoff "Better Call Saul," which followed lawyer Jimmy McGill's (Bob Odenkirk) descent into the corrupt Saul Goodman. His next show for Apple TV+ is set to star "Better Call Saul" alum Rhea Seehorn − and he noted at the WGAs that she plays "a good guy."
Saturday's ceremony also posthumously honored director David Lynch with the Laurel Award for Screenwriting Achievement, which was presented by "Twin Peaks" star Kyle MacLachlan.
"My heart breaks that he's gone, but the world is so much fuller because he was here," the actor said.
"Anora" remained an Oscar best-picture frontrunner as it won best original screenplay at Saturday's awards show, while "Nickel Boys" picked up best adapted screenplay.