Aaron Paul, famous for his portrayal of Jesse Pinkman in the groundbreaking series “Breaking Bad,” recently made headlines when he revealed some surprising information about his residuals from the show during a SAG-AFTRA rally. The Emmy-winning actor indicated that he hasn’t been receiving any compensation from Netflix, despite the streaming giant’s significant role in popularizing the series.
“Breaking Bad,” starring Paul and Bryan Cranston, gained immense acclaim during its five-season run on AMC. However, it was Netflix that played a pivotal role in expanding its viewership by offering the first three seasons for streaming before the fourth season aired on AMC. The series became a staple on Netflix, and even its sequel film, “El Camino,” found a home on the platform.
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In a recent statement, Paul expressed his astonishment: “I don’t get a piece from Netflix on ‘Breaking Bad,’ to be totally honest, and that’s insane to me.” This revelation has sparked conversations about the financial arrangements between streaming platforms and actors in the wake of the digital era.
Paul’s insight into the situation continued as he discussed how shows can thrive indefinitely on streaming platforms. “Shows live forever on these streamers, and it goes through waves,” he explained. “And I just saw the other day that ‘Breaking Bad’ was trending on Netflix, and it’s just such common sense, and a lot of these streamers, they know they have been getting away with not paying people just fair wage, and now it’s time to pony up.”
While Paul’s revelation has ignited discussions, Netflix has yet to respond to inquiries about the matter.
Bryan Cranston, Paul’s co-star on “Breaking Bad,” has also been vocal about supporting SAG-AFTRA’s cause. He has actively participated in picket lines in both New York City and Los Angeles as part of the ongoing strike. In a passionate speech delivered in Times Square, Cranston directly addressed Disney CEO Bob Iger, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of union workers in the entertainment industry.
As the debate over fair compensation in the digital age continues, Aaron Paul’s candid remarks have added a new layer to the ongoing conversation about the financial dynamics between streaming platforms and the artists who bring their content to life.