RJ Mitte is breaking down one of the most intense scenes from Breaking Bad. Appearing on the Joe Vulpis podcast on October 6, Mitte - who portrayed Skyler and Walter White's son Walt Jr. on the critically acclaimed show - looked back on filming the climactic fight scene in the series' third-to-last episode, "Ozymandias," where Walt Jr. finally calls the cops on his father after a fight broke out between Skyler and Walter.
"It was kind of my only action part in Breaking Bad, which I was really excited for. And then I got there and I was like, 'Oh man, this is gonna be bad,'" Mitte reflected.
"There was no stunt double. And so that was a lot of fun to kind of have that action scene between Anna Gunn and Bryan Cranston."
Naturally, Walt Jr. chose to protect his mother, letting go of his crutches and tackling his father to the ground. "We did that choreography where I toss him," Mitte continued, admitting they had to shoot the scene twice because he "messed up the first toss" and nearly left Cranston seriously hurt.
"You can't hurt Bryan," the director scolded him. "He's gotta work." Ozymandias is widely considered Breaking Bad's best episode and one of the finest television episodes of all time.
The actor noted that the intensity of the scene required immense focus from the entire cast. Being a young actor at the time, working alongside veterans like Bryan Cranston and Anna Gunn was a transformative experience for his career.
Mitte explained that the physical nature of the scene was challenging due to his own real-life disability, which he incorporated into the character of Walt Jr. throughout the series. The authenticity of the performance remains a hallmark of the show's legacy.
Reflecting on the impact of the series, Mitte mentioned that fans still approach him to discuss the emotional weight of the "Ozymandias" episode. It serves as a reminder of the show's ability to blend high-stakes drama with deeply personal family conflict.
The podcast appearance provided a rare behind-the-scenes look at the production standards of the show. Mitte expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have been part of such a culturally significant project.
As the conversation concluded, Mitte emphasized that while he has moved on to other projects, the memories of the Breaking Bad set remain vivid. The show continues to find new audiences on streaming platforms globally.
Ultimately, the fight scene stands as a testament to the dedication of the cast and crew. It remains a pivotal moment that defined the trajectory of the final episodes of the series.