The iconic cast of Breaking Bad, featuring Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Jesse Plemons, and others, staged a reunion on the picket line to urge Hollywood studios to resume negotiations with striking screen actors.
The protest, held outside Sony Pictures Studios, aimed to address issues arising from the dominance of streaming services, which have transformed the entertainment industry’s landscape.
The strike, led by both SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America, seeks fair compensation for actors in the streaming era.
Jesse Plemons expressed how the industry’s structure, established a decade ago, favored a broader range of actors, ensuring fair wages. However, the streaming revolution has disrupted traditional payment models, leaving many actors undercompensated.
Aaron Paul, famous for his portrayal of Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad, emphasized the need for change, stating that he doesn’t receive any share of the show’s profits from Netflix, despite its immense popularity on the platform.
The cast members believe that streaming companies have been avoiding paying fair wages for too long and that the time has come for them to step up.
The Independent reports that the strike revolves around residual payments, a form of compensation actors receive when their shows or movies are replayed. In the traditional TV era, this system benefited actors significantly, but it has been largely neglected in the streaming age, despite the constant availability of their work to viewers.
This protest reflects a broader movement in the entertainment industry, with other casts, such as those from Parks and Recreation and Jury Duty, supporting the actors’ strike objectives. The issue of fair residuals and compensation has garnered attention from actors like Mandy Moore and Ellen Pompeo, who have publicly spoken out about the disparities.
Bryan Cranston, speaking on behalf of the cast, emphasized the importance of organized labor in ensuring fair treatment for actors, as studios are unlikely to take the initiative to increase compensation voluntarily. The strike has become a galvanizing force for change in the entertainment industry.
The participation of Better Call Saul cast members, including Rhea Seehorn and Patrick Fabian, along with co-creator Peter Gould, further underscores the industry’s solidarity during these labor actions.
As the strike continues, actors and industry professionals are determined to secure fair compensation for their work in the digital streaming age.
