Better Call Saul: Cinnabon vs. Hot Topic - The Untold Story

Fans of Breaking Bad will remember Saul Goodman (played by Bob Odenkirk) as one of the more memorable characters! You've seen the wild times in "Better Call Saul", and its interesting storylines!

Saul Goodman's Cinnabon Life

After he ends up taking on a new identity in Omaha, Nebraska as "Gene Takavic", we get to see him take a different job managing a Cinnabon, that's a far cry from what he did as a lawyer.

If it were up to "Better Call Saul" showrunner Peter Gould, however, Saul Goodman, would have a really different job!

Original Plan For Saul Goodman

Peter Gould post on Bluesky Social Image

What was behind this major shift for Saul? It's fascinating to discover!

Gould posted his thoughts online and said that a previous script from Breaking Bad, for a penultimate episode was different!

It looked like he might not have worked for a bakery or Cinnabon!

That original idea called for him to work in retail! It even shows how that idea was originally supposed to come across. The script shared the line that Saul Goodman would work in a Hot Topic! A change from that, and now he was flipping that script for those who enjoyed that iconic, satirical world.

This shift in storyline, was intentional. That had an incredible effect for viewers who are able to get these iconic pop-culture figures as characters, because, well, what would have happened if it were a retail chain instead of a cinnamon roll store!

What Did Gould Have To Say About His Decision?

Blended image of Bob Odenkirk as Jimmy in Better Call Saul Image

Gould made his feelings pretty clear in a message he shared.

It wasn't all about having one kind of idea, though!
It seems that he did have a good reason for changing up the whole thing and even bringing a sense of humor!
In a rather unique moment, it turns out that "Hot Topic" sells "Breaking Bad" merchandise.
He didn't want the change in Saul's life, in Better Call Saul to feel like an ad.

The shift to a Cinnabon really added some fun! Not only for audiences, but it gave Gould a creative chance.

The Effect On Better Call Saul:

To get a sense for what a big change that was, take a moment and consider it from another perspective!

The world of "Better Call Saul" wasn't around at the same time as "Breaking Bad," so those moments were not planned ahead. There was a lot of planning ahead. Vince Gilligan wanted to start creating a Saul Goodman series back in 2009. This wasn't the only challenge they had when building this universe, the production of the final Breaking Bad season started in 2013, making it pretty complex.

If the plans changed. You might realize what an impact it had. The scene in the Better Call Saul show shows off Saul's desperation and also how a wild figure with tons of experience working as a lawyer turned into this new character. The fact that Gene Takavic interacts so little, and often stays apart from those who are nearby. Shows how isolated this once powerful figure has become.

What Would Have Happened?

To think of it, you really can see just how dramatic and remarkable the series might have been! Imagine that Gene didn't work in a cinnamon roll store, instead at a clothing retailer!

In Better Call Saul, his existence could have felt very out-of-place, and may not have fit in! A youthful and fast-paced business really didn't seem to mesh with his lifestyle.

With his move, Gould got to build a super intense story full of meaning. "Better Call Saul" brought us this special look at this well known and well loved figure who has shown his strength and skills throughout both these awesome TV shows!