In July last year, fans the world over were shocked to hear that Bob Odenkirk was suddenly fighting for his life, having suffered a heart attack on the set of Better Call Saul. But months later, he’s doing well – so well, in fact, that he’s positing a return to easily his most high-octane character. Speaking to Empire in a major new interview, Odenkirk says that he’s ready to step back into the shoes of Nobody’s gun-toting, ass-kicking assassin Hutch – a supposed quiet family man who gleefully returns to a life of cracking skulls, proving more than a match for the Russian mob. “Let’s make Nobody 2,” he says, “and I’m going to kick more ass than I ever have.”
When Empire spoke to Odenkirk, he was in Albuquerque in his last days of playing Saul Goodman (or, Slippin’ Jimmy) in the final season of Breaking Bad spin-off Better Call Saul. Production on the concluding run of episodes was delayed when Odenkirk collapsed in front of his fellow actors last summer. “I’m good,” he tells Empire of his current health. “I was very, very lucky in that I had a heart attack near my co-stars. I didn’t go to my trailer, and also we weren’t on location. If we’d been on location, I probably wouldn’t be here talking to you. If I’d gone to my trailer, I wouldn’t be here talking to you right now.”
As it turned out, a plaque build-up in the so-called ‘widow-maker’ artery that Odenkirk had previously known about was much more advanced than he knew. Now that it’s been cleared, he’s back in business. “In the morning, they did the surgery at Presbyterian Hospital here,” he says. “They have wonderful heart surgeons here, the best in the world, and they did a fucking amazing job. They blew out the plaque and put in stents and I’m doing great.”
Great enough, he says, to advocate for that Nobody sequel. Odenkirk confirms there has “absolutely” been talk of a follow-up, though an official confirmation is yet to be confirmed. “We are working on making that happen,” he says. “Universal has been very upbeat and welcoming. Derek [Kolstad, screenwriter] and I have talked story. It’s not a sure thing yet, but we’re working on it. I think the signs point to yes.” Frankly, it’s just good to have Odenkirk still with us. But if he’s up for a Nobody sequel, and if the studio is able to make that happen, then it’s kitty-cat bracelets all around.
Read Empire’s full Bob Odenkirk interview in the Moon Knight issue – talking his tumultuous year, the final season of Saul and much more. Find a copy on newsstands from Thursday 17 February, or pre-order online here.