Aaron Paul’s Career: From ‘Breaking Bad’ to ‘Ash’

Aaron Paul has built a fascinating career playing complex and often tormented characters. He first gained widespread recognition and critical acclaim for his role as the troubled but endearing Jesse Pinkman, a part that would define a generation of television. His performance earned him numerous awards and cemented his status as a formidable talent capable of immense emotional depth.

Since his breakout role, Paul has deliberately chosen a diverse range of projects across film and television. He has avoided being typecast by taking on roles in big-budget action films, quiet independent dramas, and acclaimed animated series. His journey showcases a commitment to challenging himself as an actor and exploring the different facets of human nature through his characters, proving his versatility and staying power in a competitive industry.

‘Whatever It Takes’ (2000)

In this teen comedy, Aaron Paul plays Floyd, a comically awkward and over-the-top character. The story is a modern take on the play Cyrano de Bergerac, centering on two high school boys who make a deal to help each other win over the girls of their dreams. Paul’s character is part of the social circle of one of the main protagonists, providing comic relief with his quirky personality.

Floyd is a loyal friend who tries to offer advice, even if it’s not always helpful. He is often seen in the background of social events and parties, contributing to the chaotic high school atmosphere of the film. It was one of Paul’s earliest film roles, showcasing a more lighthearted and comedic side to his acting before he became known for more dramatic characters.

‘K-PAX’ (2001)

Aaron Paul has a small but memorable role as Michael Powell, the estranged son of the film’s protagonist, Dr. Mark Powell. The story centers on Dr. Powell, a psychiatrist who is treating a mysterious patient named prot who claims to be an alien from the planet K-PAX. As the doctor tries to uncover the truth about prot’s identity, he is forced to confront his own personal and family issues.

Dr. Powell’s character is a workaholic who has become distant from his family, including his son Michael. Their strained relationship is highlighted in a few key scenes, adding another layer to the doctor’s personal journey. The interactions between father and son underscore the film’s themes of connection and understanding, both with the mysterious patient and with one’s own loved ones.

‘Perfect Opposites’ (2004)

Paul stars as Monty Brandt in this romantic drama about a young couple whose seemingly perfect relationship is tested by the realities of life. The story follows Drew and Julia, two college students who fall in love and decide to move in together after graduation. Monty is Drew’s best friend and roommate, a wisecracking and supportive presence in his life.

As Drew and Julia navigate the challenges of their new life in Los Angeles, including career pressures and differing expectations, Monty provides a sounding board for Drew. He represents a more carefree and less complicated time in their lives, often offering lighthearted commentary on their evolving relationship. The film explores themes of love, commitment, and the difficulties of transitioning from college romance to adult partnership.

‘Bad Girls from Valley High’ (2005)

In this dark comedy, Aaron Paul plays Jonathan Wharton, a student at a wealthy high school. The plot revolves around a clique of three popular and manipulative girls who will do anything to maintain their social status. When a new exchange student threatens their popularity, the girls plot to get rid of her, leading to a series of comedic and disastrous events.

Jonathan becomes a love interest for one of the main characters, Danielle. His sweet and unassuming nature makes him an unsuspecting pawn in the girls’ various schemes. The film satirizes high school social dynamics and teen movie tropes, with Paul’s character representing a more genuine and innocent presence amidst the manipulative behavior of the popular clique.

‘Choking Man’ (2006)

Aaron Paul portrays Jerry in this independent drama about a painfully shy Ecuadorian dishwasher named Jorge who works at a diner in Queens, New York. Jorge struggles to connect with the people around him and is haunted by his past, causing him to have morbid fantasies. The film is a quiet character study focused on loneliness and the immigrant experience.

Jerry is a frequent customer at the diner where Jorge works. He is a loud and often obnoxious character who contrasts sharply with Jorge’s quiet and withdrawn demeanor. Jerry’s presence in the diner is part of the everyday world that Jorge finds so difficult to navigate. His interactions with the other characters contribute to the film’s atmosphere of urban isolation.

‘Mission: Impossible III’ (2006)

In this high-octane action film, Paul plays Rick Meade, the brother-in-law of IMF agent Ethan Hunt. At the beginning of the story, Ethan has retired from fieldwork and is living a quiet life with his fiancée Julia, who is unaware of his past as a spy. Rick is Julia’s brother, and he appears during an engagement party scene where he interacts with Ethan.

Rick’s character is part of the civilian life that Ethan is trying to protect. His presence at the family gathering highlights the stark contrast between Ethan’s peaceful domestic aspirations and the dangerous world of espionage he is inevitably pulled back into. The scenes with his new family, including Rick, establish the personal stakes for Ethan before the mission goes wrong.

‘The Last House on the Left’ (2009)

Paul plays Francis, a member of a ruthless gang of escaped convicts, in this intense horror-thriller. The film is a remake of the 1972 original and follows two teenage girls who are kidnapped and brutally assaulted by the gang. Francis is the son of the group’s cruel leader, Krug, and is often pressured into participating in their violent acts.

Francis is shown to be the most reluctant and empathetic member of the group, displaying moments of guilt and hesitation that set him apart from the others. After the gang unknowingly seeks shelter at the home of one of their victim’s parents, a violent and desperate struggle for survival ensues. Francis’s internal conflict adds a layer of complexity to the group of antagonists as the parents exact their brutal revenge.

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

Aaron Paul plays Jesse Pinkman, a small-time methamphetamine cook and dealer who becomes the partner of his former high school chemistry teacher, Walter White. Jesse begins as a hyperactive and impulsive young man but undergoes a profound and often tragic transformation throughout the series. He is frequently manipulated by Walter and finds himself caught in a violent and dangerous criminal underworld that tests his morality and his will to survive.

Over the course of the show, Jesse grapples with immense guilt, loss, and addiction. His journey is one of the emotional cores of ‘Breaking Bad’, as he struggles to find a way out of the life Walter has pulled him into. His complex relationship with Walter, which shifts from a reluctant partnership to a deeply toxic and co-dependent bond, is central to the show’s narrative and explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and consequence.

‘Smashed’ (2012)

In this independent drama, Aaron Paul portrays Charlie Hannah, the husband of a young elementary school teacher named Kate. The couple shares a life that revolves heavily around music, fun, and a mutual love for alcohol. Their relationship is defined by their shared addiction, and they spend most of their time together drinking and partying, seemingly without a care in the world.

When Kate’s drinking starts to spiral out of control and affects her job, she decides to get sober with the help of a co-worker. This decision creates a major rift in her relationship with Charlie, who doesn’t see their lifestyle as a problem and isn’t ready to give up alcohol. The film explores the challenges of loving someone through addiction and the strain that recovery can put on a relationship built around a shared habit.

‘Decoding Annie Parker’ (2013)

Paul takes on the role of Paul, the husband of the titular character Annie Parker. The film is based on a true story and follows two parallel narratives. One is about Annie, a young woman who fears she has a high genetic risk of getting cancer after watching her mother and sister battle the disease. The other story follows Dr. Mary-Claire King, the geneticist who discovered the BRCA1 gene linked to breast cancer.

Paul is Annie’s loving and supportive husband who stands by her through her fears and her eventual cancer diagnosis. His character provides the emotional anchor for Annie as she fights the disease and navigates the medical system. The film highlights the importance of family support in the face of a devastating illness and celebrates the resilience of its real-life protagonist.

‘Need for Speed’ (2014)

Paul stars as Tobey Marshall, a skilled street racer and mechanic who runs his family’s garage. After being framed by a wealthy and arrogant ex-NASCAR driver for a crime he didn’t commit, Tobey is sent to prison. Two years later, he is released on parole, consumed by a desire for revenge. His only chance to take down his rival is to compete in a high-stakes, underground supercar race across the country.

With a massive bounty on his head, Tobey embarks on a dangerous cross-country journey, evading both the police and other racers sent by his nemesis. He is joined by an English car broker, and together they must navigate treacherous roads and constant threats to reach the secret race location. The film is filled with practical car stunts and high-octane racing sequences as Tobey pushes his limits to clear his name.

‘A Long Way Down’ (2014)

In this dark comedy, Paul plays J.J. Maguire, an American pizza delivery guy and failed musician. The story begins on New Year’s Eve when four complete strangers meet on the roof of a tall building in London, each with the intention of ending their own life. Instead of going through with their plans, they form an unlikely pact to stay alive until Valentine’s Day.

J.J. is one of these four individuals, and he claims that his despair stems from a brain tumor, though the truth of his situation is more complicated. The film follows this makeshift family as they support and clash with one another, navigating their individual struggles together. It explores serious themes of depression and hope with a blend of humor and heartfelt emotion.

‘Hellion’ (2014)

Paul delivers a powerful performance as Hollis Wilson, a grieving single father struggling to raise his two young sons in a small Texas town. Still reeling from the death of his wife, Hollis has withdrawn into alcohol and grief, leaving his rebellious thirteen-year-old son, Jacob, to act out. Jacob’s delinquent behavior, which includes a love for heavy metal music and motocross, soon attracts the attention of Child Protective Services.

When Jacob’s younger brother is removed from the home and placed with his aunt, Hollis is forced to confront his failures as a parent. He and Jacob must find a way to mend their broken relationship and take responsibility for their actions to bring their family back together. The film is a gritty and emotional portrait of a family on the brink of collapse, anchored by Hollis’s difficult journey toward redemption.

‘Exodus: Gods and Kings’ (2014)

Aaron Paul portrays Joshua, a Hebrew slave and key supporting character, in this epic biblical drama directed by Ridley Scott. The film tells the story of Moses as he rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses, leading the Israelite slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of plagues. Joshua is a stone cutter and a devout follower of Moses.

Joshua is depicted as a loyal and courageous figure who stands by Moses’s side throughout the rebellion and exodus. He is one of the first to believe in Moses’s divine mission and becomes an important lieutenant, helping to organize the Hebrew people and participating in the guerrilla warfare against the Egyptian forces. His unwavering faith serves as a contrast to the doubts and fears of many of the other slaves.

‘BoJack Horseman’ (2014–2020)

Aaron Paul voices Todd Chavez, the cheerful, kind-hearted, and often directionless roommate of the show’s titular character. Todd is an asexual character whose optimistic and laid-back personality serves as a stark contrast to BoJack’s cynicism and self-destruction. He often stumbles into bizarre and elaborate schemes, from creating a Halloween-themed amusement park to becoming the CEO of a company by accident.

Despite his seemingly simple nature, Todd’s character arc explores themes of self-discovery and finding one’s place in the world. Over the series, he learns to stand up for himself, especially against BoJack’s toxic influence, and comes to understand and embrace his asexuality. His journey from a couch-surfing freeloader to a more independent and self-assured individual provides some of the show’s most heartwarming and comedic moments.

‘Eye in the Sky’ (2015)

In this military thriller, Paul plays Second Lieutenant Steve Watts, an American drone pilot stationed at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada. He is tasked with operating a MQ-9 Reaper drone, providing crucial aerial surveillance for a top-secret military operation in Nairobi, Kenya. The mission’s objective is to capture a group of high-level terrorists who have gathered in a safe house.

The situation escalates dramatically when the mission changes from “capture” to “kill” after surveillance reveals the terrorists are preparing for an imminent suicide bombing. Watts is ordered to launch a Hellfire missile, but he spots a young girl selling bread within the blast radius. This creates a tense ethical dilemma that unfolds in real-time as military commanders, politicians, and lawyers debate the potential collateral damage against the certainty of a future terrorist attack.

‘Fathers and Daughters’ (2015)

Paul plays Cameron, the love interest in one of the film’s parallel storylines. The movie tells two interconnected stories set 25 years apart. One story follows a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist in the past as he struggles with a mental illness while trying to raise his young daughter. The other story is set in the present day and follows his now-grown daughter, Katie, as she battles her own emotional demons.

Cameron is an aspiring writer and a fan of Katie’s father’s work who meets and falls for the adult Katie. Their developing relationship forces Katie to confront her deep-seated issues with love and intimacy that stem from her traumatic childhood. Cameron’s persistent and caring nature represents a chance for Katie to finally overcome her past and find happiness.

‘Triple 9’ (2016)

In this gritty crime thriller, Paul plays Gabe Welch, a former police officer who is part of a crew of criminals and corrupt cops. The crew is being blackmailed by the Russian mob into pulling off a series of dangerous heists. Gabe is the younger brother of the crew’s leader, and he struggles with addiction and the immense pressure of their criminal activities.

Gabe’s instability and drug use make him a volatile and unpredictable member of the team, creating tension and complications during their operations. His character arc is tragic, as he is a fundamentally decent person caught in a violent world that he is ill-equipped to handle. The film explores the dark and morally ambiguous lives of those who operate on both sides of the law.

‘Central Intelligence’ (2016)

Paul has a supporting role as Phil Stanton, the former partner of CIA agent Bob Stone. The action-comedy centers on Bob, a once-bullied geek who grew up to be a lethal operative, as he enlists the help of his former high school classmate, an accountant, for a top-secret case. Phil appears in flashbacks and is a key figure in Bob’s backstory.

Phil was Bob’s partner in the CIA, but he was seemingly killed in action, an event that deeply affected Bob and motivates many of his actions in the present. The memory of Phil and their partnership is a crucial plot point that is revealed as the story progresses, adding a layer of mystery and emotional weight to Bob’s character and the overall mission.

‘The 9th Life of Louis Drax’ (2016)

Paul plays Peter Drax, the father of a young boy who has survived a series of near-fatal accidents throughout his life. After the boy, Louis, suffers a mysterious fall from a cliff on his ninth birthday and ends up in a coma, a neurologist uses unconventional methods to try and tap into the child’s unconscious mind to uncover the truth about what happened.

Peter is a central figure in the mystery surrounding Louis’s fall. He disappears immediately after the incident, making him the primary suspect in the eyes of the police. Through flashbacks and the exploration of Louis’s subconscious, the film slowly reveals the complex and troubled dynamics of the Drax family, challenging the initial perceptions of both Peter and his wife.

‘Come and Find Me’ (2016)

In this mystery thriller, Aaron Paul stars as David, a graphic designer whose seemingly perfect life is turned upside down when his girlfriend, Claire, vanishes without a trace. A year after her disappearance, David is still searching for her when he discovers a clue that suggests she was not the person he thought she was. This discovery sends him on a dangerous journey into her secret past.

As David delves deeper, he finds himself entangled in a world of crime and espionage, completely out of his element. He must navigate a treacherous path, following a trail of cryptic clues left by Claire, to find out what happened to her and who she really was. The film follows his transformation from an ordinary man into someone forced to take extraordinary risks for the person he loves.

‘American Woman’ (2018)

Paul has a supporting role as Chris, a man who enters the life of the film’s protagonist, Deb Callahan. The movie spans over a decade and follows Deb, a single mother in a small Pennsylvania town, whose teenage daughter goes missing under mysterious circumstances. The story focuses on Deb’s life in the years that follow as she raises her grandson and never gives up hope of finding her daughter.

Chris becomes Deb’s love interest and eventually her husband. Their relationship provides a period of stability and happiness for Deb amidst her ongoing grief and turmoil. However, their marriage is also tested by the unresolved trauma of her daughter’s disappearance. Chris’s character is part of Deb’s long and difficult journey of survival and resilience.

‘Welcome Home’ (2018)

Paul stars as Bryan Palmer in this psychological thriller. He and his girlfriend, Cassie, travel to a remote villa in the Italian countryside in an attempt to repair their fractured relationship. They are hoping the romantic getaway will help them reconnect and move past their issues, but they soon realize they are not alone.

Their vacation takes a sinister turn when they meet a charismatic but unsettling local man who begins to subtly manipulate them and play them against each other. Bryan and Cassie find themselves trapped in a dangerous psychological game orchestrated by their neighbor, whose intentions are revealed to be far more malicious than they could have imagined.

‘The Parts You Lose’ (2019)

Paul plays a fugitive, referred to only as The Man, in this drama. The story is centered on a young, hearing-impaired boy named Wesley who lives in a small North Dakota town. Wesley often feels like an outsider both at school and at home. One day, while walking home, he discovers an injured and unconscious man bleeding in the snow.

Wesley brings the man to a secluded family barn and secretly nurses him back to health. A paternal bond forms between the two, as the fugitive provides the friendship and guidance that Wesley lacks in his own life. However, as the man’s criminal past catches up to him, Wesley is put in a dangerous position, forced to choose between his new friend and his family.

‘El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie’ (2019)

Aaron Paul reprises his iconic role as Jesse Pinkman in this film that serves as an epilogue to the ‘Breaking Bad’ series. The story picks up immediately after the show’s finale, with a traumatized Jesse escaping from the neo-Nazi compound where he was held captive. Now a wanted fugitive, Jesse must come to terms with his past and evade a massive police manhunt in order to build some kind of future.

The film follows Jesse as he seeks help from his old friends Skinny Pete and Badger before embarking on a desperate quest to find enough money to disappear for good. Through a series of flashbacks, viewers see more of Jesse’s harrowing experiences during his captivity as well as previously unseen moments with key characters from his past. It’s a tense and emotional journey that provides closure for one of television’s most beloved characters.

‘Adam’ (2020)

Paul plays Adam Niskar in this film based on a true story. Adam is a hardworking mortgage broker who has a great life with his loving family. His world is shattered when he suffers a severe spinal cord injury after diving into a shallow pool, leaving him a quadriplegic. The film follows his difficult journey through recovery and his struggle to adjust to his new reality.

Faced with overwhelming physical and emotional challenges, Adam must learn to navigate his life from a wheelchair. The story explores his initial despair, his grueling physical therapy, and his efforts to redefine his relationships with his family and friends. It is an inspiring story about resilience, adaptation, and the power of the human spirit to find hope after a life-altering tragedy.

‘Westworld’ (2020–2022)

Paul joins the cast in the third season as Caleb Nichols, a former soldier living in a futuristic Los Angeles and working in construction. He struggles with the trauma of losing his friend in combat and takes on petty criminal jobs through a gig-economy app to make ends meet and pay for his mother’s medical care. Caleb’s life is mundane and controlled by a massive AI system that dictates the opportunities available to people based on their social standing.

His life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters Dolores Abernathy, a sentient android host who has escaped from the Westworld park. Caleb becomes a key ally in her revolution against the corporation that created the hosts and the AI that secretly controls humanity. He is drawn into a high-stakes war for the future of both humans and hosts, discovering that his own past is more connected to this conflict than he ever imagined.

‘Dual’ (2022)

In this satirical science fiction film, Paul plays Trent, a self-defense and combat trainer. The story is set in a near-future where people who are terminally ill can have themselves cloned to spare their loved ones the pain of loss. When a woman named Sarah commissions a clone of herself after a grim diagnosis, she makes a miraculous recovery, leading to a government-mandated duel to the death with her double.

To prepare for the fight, Sarah hires Trent to train her in combat and survival skills. Trent is a seasoned and unconventional trainer who puts Sarah through a rigorous and often bizarre training regimen. His methods are designed to not only build her physical strength but also to change her mindset and give her the killer instinct she needs to defeat her own clone.

‘Ash’ (2025)

In this science fiction film, Aaron Paul portrays a character who awakens on a distant planet to find that the other members of his space station crew have been brutally killed. He is left to navigate the strange and hostile environment, trying to piece together what happened while struggling for his own survival. The situation becomes even more complicated and dangerous with the arrival of another person.

The film explores themes of isolation, paranoia, and trust as the two characters must decide if they can rely on each other or if one is responsible for the horrific events that transpired. As they investigate the mystery of the deceased crew, they are forced to confront unsettling truths and question their own sanity. The story is a tense psychological thriller set against a stark and unforgiving alien landscape.

What is your favorite Aaron Paul performance? Let us know in the comments below.