Vince Gilligan Calls for a Shift from Antiheroes to Inspiring Protagonists

The Breaking Bad creator reflects on Walter White's legacy and advocates for storytelling that celebrates virtuous characters.

Vince Gilligan, creator of Breaking Bad, expressed a desire to move away from writing antihero characters like Walter White, citing concerns over their cultural impact.
During his Writers Guild of America award acceptance speech, Gilligan highlighted the need for more stories featuring inspiring and virtuous protagonists in a time when real-world bad actors are prevalent.
Gilligan acknowledged pride in Breaking Bad's legacy but noted his growing discomfort with how audiences have idolized characters meant to serve as cautionary figures.
He emphasized the importance of creating characters who embody kindness, tolerance, and sacrifice, contrasting with the trend of glamorizing morally complex villains.
Gilligan's upcoming Apple TV+ series, starring Rhea Seehorn, will feature a heroic protagonist and marks a departure from the Breaking Bad universe and its themes.