ABreaking Badmovie is in the works, a source has told Collider. At this point, we’re not sure if the original stars, includingBryan Cranston, will return, or whether theBreaking Badmovie would debut on AMC or in theaters, but we haven’t seen the last of Blue Sky. That much I can tell you.
Vince Gilliganis writing the two-hour project, and while it will be set in the existing Breaking Bad universe, it’s unclear whether it will be a prequel or some other kind of follow-up. AMC’sBetter Call Saulis a prequel series starringBob Odenkirkas Saul Goodman, who eventually becomes Walter White’s shady attorney. Since Odenkirk is currently under contract, it stands to reason that he would return, should the story, um, call for Saul’s character.
At the moment, theBreaking Badmovie is being referred to within the industry asGreenbrier, and to give you an idea of just how real this project is, the New Mexico Film Office has confirmed that a Sony production calledGreenbrierwill start filming in Albuquerque (where the original series filmed for six years) in mid-November, lasting through early February. A local source within the production confirmed rumors that the production is affiliated withBreaking Bad. According to the Albuquerque Journal, which broke the news, the logline refers to “the escape of a kidnapped man and his quest for freedom.” Keep in mind that that’s hardly official, and may just be a cover to throw reporters off the scent.
Collider received a tip last month that something was brewing on theBreaking Badfront, but to be honest, we weren’t sure if it was a movie, a series, or even, possibly, a Super Bowl commercial. But trust me, this is no commercial or viral video. According to the New Mexico Film Office, the production will employ approximately 300 New Mexico crew members, 16 New Mexico actors and approximately 450 background actors from New Mexico.
Gilligan wrote the script with an eye toward directing the movie, and he’ll also executive produce alongside hisBreaking BadandBetter Call SaulcohortsMark JohnsonandMelissa Bernstein. While Netflix has signed lucrative deals with top TV producers likeRyan MurphyandShonda Rhimes, Gilligan recently signed a three-year deal to stay at Sony Pictures Television this past summer. Surely, an ambitious extension of theBreaking Badfranchise came up during the negotiations, and frankly, it’s a smart move for both Gilligan and Sony/AMC, which has already renewedBetter Call Saulfor a fifth season. They’re invested in theBreaking Baduniverse, so why not go big likeGame of Thronesand the like? And if the project ends up going the theatrical route, I’m sure that Sony Pictures andTom Rothmanwould love to get in on the action.
It also wouldn’t be a bad move for Cranston, who could use a movie likeBreaking Bad, as it would be a major cultural event. Yes, he earned an Oscar nomination forTrumboand starred in the box office hitGodzilla, but many of his other films have faltered, if not with critics then with audiences. Besides, what isBreaking Badwithout Walter White, and conversely, Cranston’s gifted co-starsAnna Gunn,Aaron Paul,Dean Norris,Betsy BrandtandRJ Mitte. As a hugeBreaking Badfan, I’d want them all to return, and I fully expect Cranston and Paul to at the very least make appearances. But I am not the one who knocks. For now, Gilligan is, and I can’t wait to see what he’s cooking up.
