Summary
Although there are no moreBreaking Badsequels or spinoffs in the works,the possibility of a Heisenberg moviehas been a hot topic of discussion recently. Unfortunately,the only story a Heisenberg sequel could cover is one that’s already been done. Of course, the likelihood of aBreaking Badfollow-up centered on Walter White is fairly low.Vince Gilligan doesn’t sound enthusiasticabout more spinoffs, and Walter’s fate at theend ofBreaking Badmakes it difficult to continue his story. Any attempt to do so would need to retcon the show’s near-perfect conclusion.
And even ifBreaking Badcould find a way to bring Walter White back believably, there’s nothing left for Bryan Cranston’s character to do. He’s a wanted man after season 5, so there’s no way he’d be able to make meth or embrace his identity as Heisenberg again. And it’s dubious that he’d be able to skate under the radar long enough to live anything near a normal life.There’s only one story left for Walter White, and it’s one thatBreaking Badfans already watched play out — just with another character.
The Best Performance In Every Season Of Breaking Bad
Throughout its five-seasons, Breaking Bad included some of the most outstanding performances ever seen on television with countless iconic characters.
The Only Possible Story For A Heisenberg Sequel Was Already Told In Better Call Saul
If Walter Survived, He’d Have To Go Into Hiding
There are several reasons a Heisenberg movie would ruinBreaking Bad’s perfect ending— and one is that this sort of sequel has been done before. IfBreaking Badever followed through on a Heisenberg sequel,it would likely tell the same story asBetter Call Saul.After the crimes Walter commits in the original show, he’d be forced to live in hiding if he was brought back to life somehow. Like Saul Goodman, Walter would need a new identity — and there’s no way he’d be able to return to a life of crime.
A movie about Heisenberg going into hiding could only end two ways: with his death — which we’ve already seen — or with him seeking redemption for what he’s done.
ABreaking Badsequel about Walter would likely see him embracing a new identity, then trying to avoid being noticed or arrested. For such a project to have any purpose,he’d need to have the same ending as Saul Goodman, too. A movie about Heisenberg going into hiding could only end two ways: with his death — which we’ve already seen — or with him seeking redemption for what he’s done. The latter would land him in prison for life, making a Heisenberg sequel a carbon copy ofBetter Call Saul.
Copying Better Call Saul Won’t Make For An Interesting Spinoff
Walter White and Saul Goodman are two very different characters, so there’s little reason their narratives should end the same way.Walter’s fate inBreaking Badbetter suits his character, and that’s far from the only reason to leave Heisenberg alone. Returning to his story also risks feeling too repetitive, as there’s no way around a Heisenberg movie becoming anotherBetter Call Saul.Such a familiar story might not appeal to viewers, and retconning Walt’s ending won’t make people happy either. It’s too risky to return to Cranston’s character, and it could hurtBreaking Bad’s legacy.
Returning to his story also risks feeling too repetitive, as there’s no way around a Heisenberg movie becoming anotherBetter Call Saul.
Breaking Badalso has a follow-up film already, as Netflix’sEl Caminoshows what happens to Jesse Pinkman after the events of the original series. This meansBreaking Badhas three great conclusions, eliminating any real need for another. If the creators ever choose to return to the series, it should be in the form of a prequel. Most of the characters' arcs are completed in the post-Breaking Badtimeline, and it will be nearly impossible to come up with a fresh and interesting story for a sequel.
There’s A Better Character To Follow In A Spinoff
If theBreaking Badfranchise ever continues— before or after the original story — it should do so without Heisenberg. Walter White’s narrative is perfect already, and there’s no reason to dredge it up again. This is especially true when you consider that there’s a better character to helm aBreaking Badspinoff: Gus Fring. Giancarlo Esposito’s drug boss has an intriguing backstory, and it’s one the franchise hasn’t touched on nearly as much as viewers would like. Needless to say,a Gus prequel would be far more welcome than a Heisenberg sequel.
Showing what becomes of Jesse afterEl Caminoor Skylar White afterBreaking Badwould also be more compelling than a direct sequel with Walt. There’s also Mike’s backstory to consider; Gus Fring’s right-hand man is a corrupt police officer before he joins Gus' operation, and that could be intriguing to explore. Any of these options would be better than bringing Walt back, just to rehashBetter Call Saul’s story.Breaking Bad’s legacy deserves better than that, and so do its fans.
Breaking Bad
Cast
Breaking Bad, created by Vince Gilligan, follows a chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin named Walter White (Bryan Cranston) as he attempts to provide for his family following a fatal diagnosis. With nothing left to fear, White ascends to power in the world of drugs and crime, transforming the simple family man into someone known only as Heisenberg.
