I first became aware of Aaron Paul seven years after Breaking Bad ended. In other words, I missed the height of the party. While the whole world was cheering for Jesse Pinkman in real time, I was feeling the highs and lows a few years later. The only advantage to that was watching without the butterflies in my stomach feeling of someone who anxiously awaiting the next episode. Sure, I was able to binge-watch, then rewatch, memorise the famous lines like any other fan, but following something as it happens is the one key thing I missed out on.
When I finally became a true fan, Aaron was entering what became a more relaxed phase of his career. He was already a respected, award-winning, world-renowned actor – and it seemed he wanted to enjoy life away from the spotlight to focus on being a dad and a businessman. This was something I could completely understand. Everyone deserves to take a step back and breathe especially following the wild ride his recent career had produced!
That’s not to say he’s been away from our screens completely. In that time there’s been the joy of watching the mad indie Dual, joining the cast of Westworld and then the stunning Black Mirror episode. But in all cases we were left wanting more lol!! More screen time in the film Dual, the cancelled Season 5 of Westworld and only one, admittedly long, episode of Black Mirror – not to mention the amazing guest spots on Better Call Saul and Always Sunny in Philadelphia ( with Bryan Cranston)!
But for us, passionate fans, this absence was felt most in 2024 and we longed for news mixed with anticipation. We always hope he’s happy, this is a given of course, but at the same time, we waited (with all the patience of a loyal fan) for that next project, and the next unforgettable role to experience in real time.
And now, that moment has finally arrived. Ash is about to debut this week (March 21 2025)! Aaron Paul is in a brand new film, a new chance to shine, doing what God gave him the gift to do. He has a talent that seems to have been tailor-made for the big screen. But this joy of a new release comes with a small detail that breaks my heart: the premiere will only be in America.
At first, everything indicated that the film would have a worldwide cinema release. And that’s when my fan’s mind started to wander. I was already planning everything, creating expectations on going to see it, imagining what it would be like to see him on the big screen, in the cinema, as I had always dreamed. But the dream sadly will not happen just yet.
When the news came that the release would only be in America, it was an initial shock. That brief feeling of sadness was felt, as any fan who isn’t in that region would understand. We follow everything from afar, rooting for them, celebrating, dreaming of living that moment with them, but, at the crucial moment, reality sets in and gives us a little reminder, as if to say: “Calm down, it’s not for you just yet, but soon.”
Eiza González and Aaron Paul
But, of course, this small detail doesn’t take away from the brilliance we still feel in this moment.
Aaron Paul is back! And that, in itself, is already a reason to celebrate. Seeing an actor I admire so much, with incredible talent and impeccable dedication, returning for a new exciting project fills me with pride. Obsessively finding initial reviews and reactions online fills us with joy! It becomes clear that he is not only a great actor, but someone who chooses his roles with soul, who immerses himself completely in the stories and delivers performances that we know will stay with us.
So, yes, the small frustration of not being able to watch the film in a cinema is there. But the happiness of seeing him in action again easily overcomes any geographical obstacle. After all, this is what being a fan is all about: celebrating each achievement, even from afar, and waiting for that moment we will be able to live this dream to the fullest.
Patience is part of the journey of those who admire an artist. So, while I anxiously await the arrival of Ash, I also await that cinema moment I’m still dreaming of!
I will leave it on record that, as soon as I have that experience, I will come back to tell you all about it. Because, when that day comes, I want to describe in detail what it was like to see Aaron Paul on the big screen – and fulfill this long-awaited dream!
