AMC officials were initially reluctant with the casting choice , having known Cranston only as the over-the - top character Hal on the comedy series Malcolm in the Middle .
AMC officials approached actors John Cusack and Matthew Broderick about the role .
AMC officials were initially reluctant with the casting choice , having known Cranston only as the over-the - top character Hal on the comedy series Malcolm in the Middle and approached actors John Cusack and Matthew Broderick about the role .