Breaking Bad: Bryan Cranston vs Aaron Paul - Who Made More Money?

The hit series Breaking Bad not only revolutionized the crime drama genre but also catapulted its lead actors into the spotlight. When the dust settled, fans and critics alike were eager to compare Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, the two central figures of the series. In this article, we explore who made more money, delving into their contracts, earnings, and the impact of their roles on their careers.

Introduction to Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul

Bryan Cranston played Walter White, the neurotic high school chemistry teacher turned ruthless meth kingpin. His portrayal earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards, including a Golden Globe and an Emmy for Best Actor. On the other hand, Aaron Paul portrayed Jesse Pinkman, Walt's struggling former high school friend who becomes entangled in his criminal enterprise. While both actors received significant recognition for their performances, the question of who made more money has always been of interest to fans.

Initial Contracts and Earnings

Before the series took off, Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul signed contracts worth a modest sum for their roles. Cranston's initial salary for the first season was reportedly around $200,000 per episode. Similarly, Paul's base salary was in the range of $95,000 to $150,000 per episode. However, like many leading actors, Cranston and Paul relied on a combination of exorbitant back-end deals and residuals to secure their financial future.

Back-End Deals and Earnings Strategy

Back-end deals, where actors receive a percentage of the profits from a show, play a significant role in determining total earnings. According to Variety, Bryan Cranston's total earnings from BREAKING BAD have been estimated to be around $17.4 million, primarily due to his creative contract, which included a significant back-end deal. His post-production deal with SkyRouting, a post-production company, also contributed to his earnings. In contrast, Aaron Paul's back-end deal with SkyRouting was reported to be around $8.2 million, making his total earnings approximately $13.1 million.

Impact on Careers

The roles of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman notably impacted the careers of both Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul. Cranston's performance earned him widespread acclaim and opportunities to explore high-profile projects in both drama and comedy. In recent years, he has starred in series such as Malcolm in the Middle, Mad About You, and American Gods. Moreover, his relationship with Gillian Jacobs as a producer and creator of Royal/Nobel and his involvement with Mad Men underscore his continued success in the industry.

Aaron Paul's career, although more focused, also saw significant growth. His portrayal of Jesse Pinkman solidified his status as one of the most talented actors of his generation. He has since starred in films such as The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and Wuthering Heights. Additionally, his post-BREAKING BAD work on projects like American Gods and The Right Method have further cemented his reputation as a versatile and critically acclaimed actor.

Conclusion

While the initial salary and contracts were modest, Bryan Cranston's and Aaron Paul's strategic back-end deals and residual earnings resulted in significant financial success. Although Cranston and Paul experienced different trajectories in their post-BREAKING BAD careers, their performances in the series undoubtedly contributed to their financial prosperity. The true measure of their success may not just be in the monetary gains, but also in the critical acclaim and lasting legacy of their roles.