Penn Badgley Calls Aaron Paul's "Breaking Bad" Jesse Pinkman Role "The One That Got Away"

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Paul once said when Badgley walked in, he knew he lost the role to him because he looked like a meth addict "in a good way."

Hollywood is flooded with stories of actors who were *thisclose* to landing coveted roles, and Penn Badgley is sharing his story about the one that got away. Many of us remember the chokehold Breaking Bad had on the world during its reign. Bryan Cranston dominated as the conflicted Walter White, and Aaron Paul portrayed Jesse Pinkman, his troubled sidekick. In an interview with Buzzfeed, Badgley revealed the part of Pinkman came down to him and Paul.

“We tested. And actually that was the best television script I’d read, at that point. That was the one that got away," the You actor admitted. During the time, Badgley was also in the running for Gossip Girl, and he ended up landing that role. The missed opportunity for Breaking Bad is a story that Paul also previously shared.

Read More: Bryan Cranston & Aaron Paul Honored With Statues In Albuquerque For “Breaking Bad”

Years ago, Paul recalled seeing Badgley walk in to audition and believing he would lose out. “Right when he walked in, I was like, ‘Oh my God, that guy looks like a meth addict,'” Paul told Entertainment Weekly back in 2020. “In a good way! He was just in the role. I was like, ‘This guy is going to steal it from me.'”

These days, Badgley is haunting Netflix on You, a stalker series that has captivated audiences. We're in the thick of Season 4, and while Badgley is enjoying the show's success, he revealed one thing he isn't comfortable with. In a recent interview with Variety, the actor said he wished he didn't have to do so many sex scenes. It's something that the married father said is important to not have because of his "real life."

The Weinstein Company and Lyft host a special screening of "3 Generations"
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 30: Domino Kirke and Penn Badgley attend The Weinstein Company and Lyft host a special screening of "3 Generations" on April 30, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Sylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Read More: “Breaking Bad’s” Giancarlo Esposito To Star As Villain In “Far Cry 6”

“My fidelity in my relationship,” Badgley shared. “It’s important to me. And actually, it was one of the reasons that I initially wanted to turn the role down. I didn’t tell anybody that. But that is why.” Additionally, it was reported in Season 4, all of the sex scenes were reportedly filmed fully clothed.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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