Better Call Saul star Bob Odenkirk has landed a role on another critically acclaimed TV show, The Bear. Odenkirk's Breaking Bad spinoff finished its sixth and final season last year, earning much acclaim and solidifying the part of Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman as the actor's defining role. Since the end of Better Call Saul, Odenkirk has gone on to lead AMC's new series Lucky Hank.
Odenkirk is now set to appear on another major series. According to Variety, Odenkirk is set to join The Bear season 2 in a guest role. The details of Goodman’s character are currently unknown, but will be revealed when the FX series returns this summer. So far, most plot details are being kept under wraps.
Why Odenkirk’s Casting Is Good For The Bear
The Bear season 1 was an explosively popular series opener for FX. It became FX’s most-watched half-hour series and received copious nominations at awards shows. This included, notably, a Golden Globe nomination for Best Television Series - Comedy or Musical, and a win for star Jeremy Allen White in the lead actor category. The Bear was renewed for season 2 on FX a mere three weeks after its premiere.
Known for playing Lip Gallagher on Shameless, White was the star amidst an ensemble cast of lesser known actors. The Bear season 1 highlighted the talents of Ayo Edebiri, playing the compassionate and fierce new cook Sydney, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Carmy’s charismatic but short-tempered cousin Richie. Other “chefs” (as Carmy lovingly deems anyone who works in his kitchen) in the series included Lionel Boyce, Liza Colon-Zayas, Edwin Lee Gibson, and Corey Hendrix. By introducing Odenkirk, The Bear will be able to incorporate a mainstream television talent, elevating its already-stellar cast.
This casting bodes well for the already-successful dramedy. Given the smashing success of its first season, The Bear is already well-positioned for a successful season 2. With Odenkirk gaining a guest spot, The Bear could even draw in more viewers than the first season. Hopefully, new details of Odenkirk's role will emerge soon as the new episodes get closer to premiering.
The Bear season 2 will debut in June.
Source: Variety