Bryan Cranston Cooks Up About Asteroid City On 92NY… After Clarifying ‘Retirement’ Comments
Bryan Cranston recently opened up about his life and journey from that of a character actor to a bona fide star of film, television and theater.
The Los Angeles native — who recently clarified comments he made about “retiring” from acting — was the special guest on “In Talk With Josh Horowitz” on 92NY in New York City on Friday.
The focus of the stage interview and Q-and-A was to help promote his latest role in Wes Anderson’s new movie Asteroid City.
Set in a fictional desert town in 1955, Asteroid City tells the story of a youth stargazing convention that is spectacularly disrupted by strange cosmic events, according to the 92NY website.
Considered one of the most respected actors of his generation, the man behind Breaking Bad’s iconic Walter White character spoke about creating the sci-fi romantic comedy-drama and his collaboration with Anderson, who is known for his work on The Royal Tenenbaums ( 2001), Moonrise Kingdom (2012) and The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014).
In Conversation: Bryan Cranston, 67 – who recently clarified comments he made about “retiring” from acting – was the special guest on “In Conversation With Josh Horowitz” at 92NY in New York City on Friday
Prior to the sit-down, Cranston, 67, struck a number of poses for photographers in a fitted navy blue suit and white shirt.
He completed the chic look with a pair of suede shoes and a green patterned pocket square.
The six-time Primetime Emmy Award winner sported an old-fashioned mustache and stylish clear-rimmed glasses.
Finally, Cranston took the stage for the candid one-on-one with Horowtiz.
The host played clips from Asteroid City before Cranston discussed the story and filming process with the audience.
Written and directed by Wes Anderson, the incredible cast includes Cranston, Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Jeffrey Wright, Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton, Adrien Brody, Liev Schreiber, Hope Davis, Stephen Park, Rupert Friend, Maya Hawke, Steve Carell, Matt Dillon, Hong Chau, Willem Dafoe, Margot Robbie, Tony Revolori, Jake Ryan and Jeff Goldblum.
The film had its world premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 23, where it competed for the Palme d’Or, the top prize awarded at the annual festival in Cannes, France.
Asteroid City made its debut on Friday, June 16 in a limited release before expanding to a wide release on June 23.
Before the sit-down, Cranston, 67, struck a number of poses for photographers in a fitted navy blue suit and white shirt
The focus of the stage interview and Q-and-A was to help promote his latest role in Wes Anderson’s new movie Asteroid City.
Story: Set in a fictional desert town in 1955, Asteroid City tells the story of a youth stargazing convention that is spectacularly disrupted by strange cosmic events, according to the 92NY website
Cranston’s recent statements GK about taking a break for at least six months in 2026 to spend more time with his wife were confused as he retired from acting permanently.
“I’m not retiring,” the Malcolm In The Middle alum declared in an Instagram post a week ago.
Instead, the Oscar-nominated actor said, “What I’m going to do is hit the pause button for a year after I hit my 70th birthday in 2026.” Holy crap – 70!’
“I’m not even sure what ‘pausing’ means exactly, but right now,” he admitted. “I think it means that by taking a year off, it brings out several things;”
Cranston went on to describe the “pause” as a way to “reset my career.”
Q&A: The host played clips from Asteroid City and then he and Cranston discussed the story and filming process, including the Anderson experience
The Process: Horowitz and Cranston discussed some behind-the-scenes anecdotes
Playful: The actor laughed as he emphasized his old-fashioned mustache
Temporary step removed: Cranston clarified his ‘retirement’ comments in GQ by sharing a lengthy statement on his Instagram page a week ago
“I couldn’t be more grateful and thankful for such opportunities,” he shared, before elaborating further on why he’s temporarily leaving.
“I feel like I’m running out of fresh ideas on how to play characters that are being offered to me. So exploring a more expansive life experience will give me the chance to replenish my soul and prepare myself in a more authentic way for the roles that are being offered to me,” he explained.
Besides spending quality time with his wife in his absence, he also plans to read the classic novels he promised himself he would read while unplugging his “hamster wheel of business.”
He ended by revealing that he never takes his happiness for granted: “I’m blessed, and man, do I know.”