With Bob Odenkirk’sNobody 2just around the corner, the Netflix thrillerGirlfriend’s Daydeserves a second look for first showcasing thisBreaking Badstar’sunexpected edge as an action hero. As aneo-noir murder mysterywhere Odenkirk plays a lowly greeting card writer, this hidden gem quietly laid the groundwork for his new, gritty, action star persona.
With a script co-written by Odenkirk himself,Girlfriend’s Dayunceremoniously dropped on Netflix in 2017but hasn’t had nearly the same impact as thisMr. Showstar’s best-known work. However, it’s an important film in understanding Odenkirk’s recent output that seemed to act as a trial run for his role as the former assassinHutch Mansell inNobody.
Girlfriend’s Day Laid The Foundations For Bob Odenkirk’s Nobody
Odenkirk Played The Greeting Card Writer Ray Wentworth
WhileGirlfriend’s Dayisn’t a full-blown action movie in the way thatNobodyis, it did mark a turning point in Odenkirk’s career toward more action-oriented, darker, and violent work. As a comedy star known for collaborations with David Cross, there’s always an enjoyable sense of humor underpinning Odenkirk’s performances across film and television.
InGirlfriend’s Day, Odenkirk played the depressed, divorced writer Ray Wentworth, who is drawn into a deadly conspiracy centered around a new holiday commemorating girlfriends. As Wentworth searches for inspiration, he ends up with more than he’s bargained for as he’s entangled in a conspiracy of rivaling companies fighting to win a contest for the best greeting card.
Girlfriend’s Dayallowed Odenkirk to play with a more hardened aesthetic than viewers were used to from him.
With an offbeat noir style that was punctuated with violent outbursts,Girlfriend’s Dayallowed Odenkirk to play with a more hardened aesthetic than viewers were used to from him.These were traits that Odenkirk refined even further inNobody, which signaled his true breakout as an action star.
Bob Odenkirk Has Emerged As A Compelling Action Hero Post-Better Call Saul
The Nobody Series Has Been An Interesting Career Pivot For Odenkirk
While BobOdenkirk spent much of his earlier career making idiosyncratic comedies and appearing in popular sitcoms, his role as Saul Goodman inBreaking BadandBetter Call Saulhas opened the doors to many more incredible opportunities. Having already proved himself as both a comedic and dramatic actor, Odenkirk’s recent action work has showcased him as incredibly versatile.
Nobody 2is scheduled for North American release on June 17, 2025.
Not a lot of people sawGirlfriend’s Day, but it helped bridge the gap between his comedy credentials and newly discovered action star potential. With the character of Hutch Mansell, Odenkirk proved he’s got the ability to portray an older action hero, and if he keeps it up, he could mimic icons like Liam Neeson as a late-career action star.
