Bryan Cranston Defends Polarizing ‘Breaking Bad’ Character From Frankie Muniz

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All four episodes of Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair are now available on Hulu, and fans are really enjoying the show’s return. The revival has also been a fun opportunity for the cast to reconnect while promoting it, like when star Frankie Muniz joined his on-screen dad, Bryan Cranston, on the spicy food challenge show Hot Ones.

Following the conclusion of Malcolm in the Middle in 2006, Bryan Cranston landed the defining role of his career as Walter White in Breaking Bad. The series sparked countless debates, and during an appearance on Hot Ones, Frankie Muniz brought up a common fan sentiment. He told Cranston, “I really enjoyed Breaking Bad. I wanted to get rid of Skyler to make things easier for your character!”

Skyler White, played by Anna Gunn, was Walter White’s wife who discovered his drug dealing in season 3. She initially tried to leave him, but became entangled in his criminal activities before ultimately trying to separate from him for good. During the show’s original run, Skyler received a lot of negative reactions from viewers, and Anna Gunn was unfortunately subjected to harassment and threats. Bryan Cranston has spoken about this, noting that people often unfairly criticized her character, asking why she didn’t support Walt.

It seems Muniz still dislikes the character Skyler, as he hasn’t let go of that feeling. He explained, “That’s how I felt!” However, Cranston has a different perspective.

So, if I’m getting this right, her husband abandons her while she’s pregnant, he’s involved in making meth, people are dead, and she’s the one being blamed?

Muniz conceded the point after that. “When you put it that way, I get it,” he said.

It’s surprising that people still strongly dislike Skyler White in 2026, even though Breaking Bad ended over ten years ago. While Muniz doesn’t criticize the actress Anna Gunn personally, many viewers used to be less careful about separating the character from the performer. As Gunn explained in a 2013 article,

As the main character, Walter naturally draws our sympathy and support, even though he makes questionable choices. But watching the show, I was shocked to find myself not just scared for my own safety, but also angered by the actress portraying a character I disliked – it was a strange and unsettling escalation of feeling.

Bryan Cranston continues to support the actors who portrayed his on-screen family, a contrast to his character Walter White’s often distant relationships. All five seasons of Breaking Bad are currently available to stream on Netflix.

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2026-04-12 21:35