Bryan Cranston defends Skyler White against criticism

Bryan Cranston has spoken out in defense of Skyler White, the character played by his wife in the hit series Breaking Bad, and her actress Anna Gunn. His comments were prompted by a conversation with his Malcolm in the Middle co-star Frankie Muniz, who made a joking remark about the character.

Criticism of Skyler White

During an episode of Hot Ones, Muniz told Cranston that he was among the many Breaking Bad fans who saw Skyler as an obstacle in the way of her husband, who was becoming a meth cook. Muniz joked, “I wanted to kill Skyler, to make your life easier,” while referring to the money Walter was making at the time.

Dealing with the backlash

Cranston and the show’s creator, Vince Gilligan, have previously expressed surprise at the intense criticism Skyler and Gunn received. Cranston responded to Muniz by saying that Anna Gunn is an excellent actress and stressed that Skyler was in a difficult situation. “She’s pregnant, her husband is making crystal meth, and people have died. And she’s the ‘bitch’?” Cranston asked rhetorically.

Misogyny and backlash

Anna Gunn herself has previously said the negative reaction to her role affected her. In an article for The New York Times, she voiced concerns about the misogynistic responses she received during and after the series. She called the reaction “alarming” and disturbing, especially once it turned violent.

Vince Gilligan also said in 2022 that the negative reaction to Skyler’s characterization had always troubled him and Gunn, especially because he felt Skyler had done nothing to deserve that criticism.

Returning to the spotlight

While Cranston and other Breaking Bad cast members returned in the prequel series Better Call Saul, Anna Gunn chose not to come back. Cranston and Muniz are currently back together in Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair, which is airing new episodes on Disney+.

Bryan Cranston continues to emphasize the importance of Skyler’s role and the impact Anna Gunn had on the series. The discussion offers a look at how characters in popular culture are received and treated by audiences.