Aaron Paul, channeling his inner Jesse Pinkman, is speaking out on the ongoing actors’ strike, shedding light on Hollywood residuals, which he finds problematic.
During a recent SAG-AFTRA picket line interview with Entertainment Tonight Canada, the Emmy-winning actor expressed his frustration, stating, “I don’t receive compensation from Netflix for Breaking Bad, to be brutally honest, and I find that quite astonishing.”
Paul’s remarks came during a mini “Breaking Bad” reunion as he joined former co-stars Bryan Cranston and Jesse Plemons on the picket line outside Sony Pictures Entertainment Studios in Culver City, Calif.
“Shows have a perpetual presence on streaming platforms, and the dynamics are shifting,” Paul observed. “I noticed recently that Breaking Bad was trending on Netflix. Many of these streaming platforms have benefited from underpaying talent for far too long, and it’s high time they rectify that. This is just one of the issues we are addressing.”
While Netflix declined to comment on Paul’s statements, the issue of residuals remains complex. Residuals typically fall under the purview of the producers, with streamers like Netflix or Hulu paying a licensing fee to the producers. However, the current system allows hit shows to be streamed extensively while creators may receive minimal or no residuals. This issue is central to both the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.
“We are raising our voices,” Cranston proclaimed to the assembled crowd at the picket line. “We are not vilifying them. They are not adversaries. We will all collaborate with them again in the future. We simply want them to recognize fairness and reality and return to the negotiating table.”
Aaron Paul’s disclosure that he does not receive residuals from Breaking Bad streaming on Netflix is noteworthy due to the show’s history with the platform. Series creator Vince Gilligan has credited Netflix with significantly contributing to the show’s immense popularity. Moreover, the streaming service is the home of the Breaking Bad spinoff movie “El Camino,” in which Paul reprised his iconic role.