How Much Did Aaron Paul Make From Breaking Bad?
How Much Did Aaron Paul Make From Breaking Bad?
By Arslan Saleem August 01, 2024 08:36
When "Breaking Bad" debuted in 2008, it not only became a cultural phenomenon but also marked the transformation of Aaron Paul's acting career. Before stepping into the shoes of Jesse Pinkman, Paul was relatively unknown in the sprawling expanse of Hollywood. However, as the show gained momentum, so did Paul's career and, importantly, his earnings from the series, which would eventually carve out a significant footprint in television history.
Base Salary Per Episode
When Breaking Bad premiered in 2008, Aaron Paul was a nobody. At first, he was making a small salary, considering what he would make as the series continued. Reports claim that at the beginning of the series, Paul was making between $20,000 and $40,000 per episode. But his compensation increased substantially when the show became a hit and critical darling.
When the series was at its height during the final two seasons, Aaron Paul made $150,000 per episode. This number represented his increased value to the show and its general success. With 16 episodes in the last season, that lined up to Paul making a fairly sizable reported $2.4 million, which helped push his full total throughout the series run into gaudy digits.
Bonuses, Back-End Deals, and Residuals
Aaron Paul likely earned bonuses and residuals on top of his base salary, which is typical in the television industry. The more Breaking Bad became a cultural sensation, the larger that back-end- deals began to loom. While the specifics of Paul's deals are not publicly known, actors on hit series can often negotiate sizeable residuals from syndication and streaming rights.
Breaking Bad later became available on platforms like Netflix so that those deals could have contributed greatly to Paul's take-home pay. He likely received sizable residual checks from the show because of its ongoing popularity, which would only add to his profits during the series.
Analysis of Other Lead Actors in Breaking Bad
Aaron Paul's earnings are paltry compared to those of his co-star Bryan Cranston, who played Walter White. Cranston was paid $225,000 per episode in the final seasons, bringing his earnings to about $6.53 million. The disparity underscores the diverging financial paths between this show's two lead players, one of whom Cranston is at its center.
How This Affected Aaron Paul in the Long Run
Breaking Bad was a turning point in Aaron Paul's career. His career took a turn for the better after his time on set, and he soon found himself an actor in demand by Hollywood with appearances in myriad movies and TV shows. It was the role that not only made him famous but also set an actress like, to begin with, a profitable offshore company on another show.
Paul appeared in shows like The Path, which illustrated a whole different side of his acting abilities. He has also been in movies such as Need for Speed and El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, which, of course, circles back to his memorable role. Undoubtedly, the success of Breaking Bad has likely allowed for more costly opportunities in his next projects.
Aaron Paul's journey through "Breaking Bad" was not just a career-defining moment but also a financially rewarding experience. The series not only catapulted him into the limelight but also ensured he was well-compensated for his contribution to making Jesse Pinkman a character to remember. As "Breaking Bad" continues to find new audiences, the legacy of Paul's role and his earnings from the show remain a testament to his lasting impact on popular culture.
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