Aaron Paul, famous for his role as Jesse Pinkman in the critically acclaimed show Breaking Bad, has announced that he does not receive any royalties from Netflix. The series, which stars Paul alongside Bryan Cranston, has become a huge hit on the streaming service, but Paul’s acting talent has gone unrewarded.
His memorable portrayal of Walter White’s sidekick has seen the show become one of the greatest of all time, yet unfortunately, Paul hasn’t seen much financial benefit from its success.
Aaron Paul Bashes Netflix For Non-Payment of Residuals
Aaron Paul recently joined forces with Bryan Cranston and other Breaking Bad actors on the SAG-AFTRA strike picket lines. The Independent interviewed the actor, who pointed out one of the main problems with the present pay system – the lack of residuals from streaming providers. Aaron Paul noted that he receives no residuals from Netflix for Breaking Bad and urged them “to pony up” and pay people what they deserve.
“I don’t get a piece from Netflix on Breaking Bad to be totally honest and that’s insane to me. I think a lot of these streamers know that they have been getting away with not paying people a fair wage and now it’s time to pony up.”
The SAG-AFTRA strike continues to be heavily focused on residuals, the extra pay that actors receive when their television shows are broadcast again. Regulations guaranteeing equitable residuals when reruns are shown on television have grown, yet streaming presents a unique challenge, as there are fewer laws in place to ensure reasonable compensation for the stars.
Accusations have been brought against Netflix for providing inadequate pay to actors like Mandy Moore from This is Us and not giving anything to South Korean actors. Ellen Pompeo from Grey’s Anatomy has also voiced her opinion on this matter.
Cranston revealed that the cast decided to meet at the picket line at the Sony studio, which was responsible for Breaking Bad, its spinoff Better Call Saul, as well as the Netflix movie El Camino.
“We’re not making them the enemy. They are not villains. These are people that we all will be working with once again at some point. We just want them to see reality.”
As the winner of three Emmy Awards for his performance as Jesse Pinkman, the Breaking Bad star has now become one of the most famous actors to take a stance against Netflix on the issue.
Aaron Paul’s words should gain more exposure to the problem that major firms like Netflix are not giving creatives, which include actors and scriptwriters, the wages they deserve. At this point, the AMPTP has refused to meet with the actors’ union to negotiate.
