Bob Odenkirk Wants More Action Roles

Bob Odenkirk made a quick transition from Breaking Bad to breaking bones with last year’s action movie Nobody. And now, the 59-year-old actor is hinting that he’s not done kicking ass yet.

During a masterclass at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday, Odenkirk explained that he “wants to do more action” projects after he has tasted the genre, according to Deadline Hollywood.

“I was very surprised by Nobody,” Odenkirk stated. “I had initiated that project because I had a feeling that the character I was developing in Better Call Saul was the kind of character you see in an action film. He has earnest desires, and he was willing to sacrifice himself.” 

Nobody, directed by Ilya Naishuller and written by Derek Kolstad, starred Odenkirk as a meek family man who supposedly wages a bloody war after thieves break into his house and threaten his family. 

The movie was a complete transition for Odenkirk, who is widely known for his comedic work and role as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, which is now completed.

In addition, Odenkirk revealed that he is keeping himself in shape in case he is recruited for a role that requires more headbutts in the future.

“I still train multiple times a week,” he stated, “and if I get my way, you’re going to see me doing more action. I found the action sequences a great deal of fun and close to doing sketch comedy… It’s almost like people like to see older people lose their s—. Why does that seem to make sense to everyone? It’s funny.” 

Read also: Better Call Saul Episode Where Bob Odenkirk Had a Heart Attack

Action Compared to Comedy

This is not the first time Odenkirk showed his interest in action and its resemblance to comedy. In an interview with EW about Nobody in 2020, Odenkirk compared the set in action movies and his comedic roles.

“The first-bloodying fight sequences were as much fun as being in a comedy room. I mean, I’ve never had that much fun since we wrote Mr. Show. It’s a group effort. Anytime you see a fight sequence in a movie that has a bunch of people, as soon as they yell, ‘Cut!,’ everyone laughs. There’s all this interaction and group problem-solving that goes on.” 

Odenkirk’s comments in Venice also came a month after Nobody showrunner David Leitch teased that a sequel is in the works. 

In an interview with Collider, Leitch said, “I think all of us want to go back and play in that universe, and we want to see Bob bring that character to life again.”

Read also: Bob Odenkirk Reveals a Shocking Detail About Next Week’s Better Call Saul Episode