In a stunning revelation, Aaron Paul, best known for his role as Jesse Pinkman in the television sensation 'Breaking Bad', disclosed he hasn't seen a cent in residuals from the series. This is a striking revelation, especially considering the undying popularity and success of the show.
Paul's announcement came to the fore during a recent picket outside the premises of Sony Pictures in California. The Emmy-winning actor wasn't alone in his protest. He stood shoulder to shoulder with former colleagues from the show, amplifying the voice of countless Hollywood professionals currently in the midst of an ongoing strike.
"I don't get a piece from Netflix on Breaking Bad, to be totally honest, and that's insane to me," Paul lamented, expressing his clear exasperation with the present state of compensation structures within streaming platforms.
The actor underlined the essence of streaming services and their ability to perpetually circulate content, often experiencing resurgence in popularity, even years after their original air dates.
Paul Addresses Streaming Inequities
Highlighting the lasting appeal of the series, Paul remarked, "I saw just the other day that Breaking Bad was trending on Netflix…" This sentiment, while referencing a specific instance, encapsulates a broader concern about the evolving dynamics of viewership and the lack of a correlated monetary benefit for artists involved.
In a detailed discussion with ET Canada, the 44-year-old expanded on his thoughts. "It's such common sense. I truly believe that many of these streaming giants are well-aware that they've been underpaying. They've skirted fair compensation for so long.
It's high time they start compensating artists justly," Paul passionately voiced. As the digital landscape continues to shift, with streaming platforms becoming the dominant mode of content consumption, it becomes imperative for industry professionals to be fairly compensated.
Aaron Paul's outspoken stance might just be the catalyst needed for tangible change in this realm. The ball is now in the court of streaming giants. Will they respond?