‘Better Call Saul’: Creators Reveal Series Regulars And More

Better Call Saul creators are finally spilling more details about the upcoming spin-off show.

During the Television Critics Association press tour in Los Angeles on Friday, creators Peter Gould and Vince Gilligan revealed that Better Call Saul will be set 6 years before Saul Goodman, played by Bob Odenkirk, met Heisenberg. The said timeline puts the show in 2002.

However, Gilligan also said that the series may jump to different timelines, just like what happened in Breaking Bad.

A few weeks ago, it was reported that the series, which was initially scheduled to premiere in November, was pushed back to premiere early next year. Despite the news, hardcore Breaking Bad and Saul Goodman fans still rejoiced with the announcement of a second season even if the show has not even started.

According to Mashable, the reason for the delay of the premiere is not because of creative differences, but because of Gilligan. “I’m going to take full responsibility for this. We could have made the deadline but… I am slow as mud as a TV writer. I always have been,” he said.

During the press tour, other details were also revealed. Fans will be happy to know that their beloved grandpa, Mike Erhmantraut, played by Jonathan Banks, will be a series regular along with Rhea Seehorn, Michael McKean, Michael Mando, and Patrick Fabian.

Since Better Caul Saul will be set in the past, the character is not yet named Saul Goodman. Before that, he was actually a small-time lawyer named Jimmy McGill who is struggling to make ends meet. The series will be focusing on Jimmy’s transformation to becoming Saul Goodman. Gilligan also talked about the character.

“I though it was going to be king of easy going in, but we didn’t know who this guy is at all. He was a very interesting supporting character. We know where this guy is going. We can’t in the first episode, have him lose an arm or an eye.”

Gould, who created the character of Saul Goodman, said that they are aiming to transition Jimmy McGill to the persona of Saul Goodman in the series.

“It’s a challenge. We know that’s not the name he was born with. What problem did being named Saul Goodman solve? It’s like really being into this Rubik’s cube we’re trying to solve.”

Many fans are also asking if there’s a possibility of Walter White appearing. In a report by Entertainment Weekly Gilligan said, “If it makes sense we’ll do it, if it doesn’t make sense we won’t. I’d love to have him as a director… character wise, who knows? Maybe there’s a way to do it.” Another Breaking Bad fan favorite who may return is Gus Fring played by Giancarlo Esposito.

Better Call Saul is slated to premiere in early 2015. The first season will consist of 10 episodes, and the first one will be directed by Gilligan. Thirteen episodes have already been ordered for the second season.

[Images via Mashable / Movie Citizens]