Bob Odenkirk reveals why he will never join MCU amid 'Wonder Man' casting rumors
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: While all the other actors seem excited and eager to become part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe if given the opportunity, 'Better Call Saul' actor Bob Odenkirk claims he was not cut out for the Marvel world.
Earlier it was speculated that Bob Odenkirk would join the cast of the upcoming Disney+ show 'Wonder Man,' currently filming in Los Angeles as the MCU makes its in-universe debut in the Hollywood. Odenkirk settled the debate over whether or not he will appear in the series in a recent interview. The series has confirmed Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Sir Ben Kingsley as cast members.
READ MORE
'Lucky Hank' Episode 2 Review: A tale of insecurities, broken dreams and major writer's block
'Lucky Hank' Episode 3 Review: Bob Odenkirk's Hank stuck between childhood trauma and bad memories
Bob Odenkirk seeks relatable characters
In an interview with The Independent, the 'Breaking Bad' actor commented on the ongoing media speculation, saying that he does not really believe he is made for this world, reports The Independent. He added that he likes to keep things rooted, accessible and smaller, which the Marvel Cinematic Universe is not.
Odenkirk also affirmed that he loves playing on-screen characters that are easy to identify with and that make viewers feel like the character they see on screen might live next door. Some have pointed out that his 2021 indie actioner 'Nobody,' in which he played Hutch - an inept family man who becomes the hometown John Wick after a violent home invasion - doesn't fall under the 'character next door' list, and he explained why. He said, "Hutch is still a family man, but his relationship with violence is different. He's changed, but he's still got a long way to go to find real balance in how he's living his life."
Returning to Marvel, it was revealed that Odenkirk was being considered for the role of Simon Williams/Wonder Man's agent, Neal Saroyan, a metahuman who would later be revealed as one of the series' villains. However, it appears that either Odenkirk has turned down the role or Marvel has gone in a new direction with casting, as 'Westworld' star Ed Harris is now in talks for the role.
Bob Odenkirk discusses 'Lucky Hank’
The actor recently starred in the eight-part black comedy series 'Lucky Hank,' created by Paul Lieberstein and Aaron Zelman and based on Richard Russo's 1997 novel 'Straight Man,' about an English professor who hits a midlife crisis. Bob said, "I read 'Lucky Hank' about six months before we finished shooting Saul,' and before I had the heart attack, and the reason I liked it was because it was so totally different to 'Better Call Saul,'" adding, "I'm always looking for dynamics in my career. Going from one thing to something really far away from it in spirit - and tonally, this is so different. There's no drugs and no guns; the stakes are really closer to normal life"
Odenkirk also shared “There’s something about Hank being genuinely connected to the other characters that I can relate to and feel for. Saul was a loner, and so was Kim Wexler. Maybe what kept them together is that they could recognise that the other person was a loner as well. They had a relationship, but it wasn’t a fulfilling one, whereas Lucky Hank is so fundamentally different.”
If Bob Odenkirk does indeed appear in 'Wonder Man,' it wouldn't shock fans, as it wouldn't be the first time an actor has lied to be a part of the MCU. there is currently no projected release window for 'Wonder Man."