"I think Cranston is lying!" Steve Zahn disputes Breaking Bad Walter White casting rumors

"Cranston is lying!" Steve Zahn just humorously shut down one of the most famous 'what-if' stories in television history. For years, Bryan Cranston has claimed that Zahn was a top contender for the iconic role of Walter White in Breaking Bad, but Zahn says it simply isn't true.

The Breaking Bad Walter White Casting Debate: Zahn vs. Cranston

In his 2016 memoir, 'A Life in Parts', Cranston recalled that Sony and AMC weren't initially sold on him because of his comedic turn in 'Malcolm in the Middle'. According to Cranston, executives had their eyes on Zahn instead. He even told Rolling Stone in 2012 that if Zahn had played the chemistry-teacher-turned-kingpin, audiences would've found him just as perfect for the role.

A Confrontation Looming in London

Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Zahn was asked point-blank about being on the shortlist. "No," he replied, laughing at the suggestion. While he called Cranston "awesome," he couldn't help but joke about the fabrication. "I think Cranston is lying!" Zahn exclaimed. The two actors are currently both in London—Zahn for a film shoot and Cranston for a play—and Zahn plans to visit his colleague to settle the score in person.

Breaking Bad remains a titan of the Golden Age of TV. Running for five seasons, it earned a staggering 16 Primetime Emmy Awards. Cranston himself took home four Emmys for Best Actor. As for Zahn, he's currently starring in the snake thriller Anaconda, which opened on Christmas Day.