Bob Odenkirk Reveals How ‘Nobody 2’ Shifted from Venice to a Run-Down Resort and His Journey to Transform His Comedy Writer’s Body Into an Action Hero

Bob Odenkirk is back in “Nobody 2,” but this time, he’s keeping things grounded. Initially, the sequel’s draft had Hutch, the average dad turned mercenary, heading off to Italy for an extravagant adventure. Odenkirk joked, “My wife looked at it and thought, ‘Wow, we get to go to Italy!’ But I realized, that’s not Hutch.”

Instead, Hutch’s journey takes him and his family to a shabby resort town reminiscent of the vacation spots Odenkirk visited in his childhood. “When I was a kid, we went to the Wisconsin Dells. Those types of places are for families who can’t afford Disneyland,” he recalls.

While most families might enjoy cotton candy and arcade games, Hutch finds himself battling a gang of bootleggers led by a wild mob boss, Lendina, played by Sharon Stone. One action-packed scene features a thrilling fight on a duck boat, inspired by the stunts from Jackie Chan’s “Police Story.” This film blends the seriousness of the first with humor, making it an exciting watch.

“The sequel’s funnier,” Odenkirk says. He adds that while the first film was serious and earnest, this one mixes in jokes during fight scenes. “If I make a joke, I can play it off. It’s all part of the fun.”

Getting into shape for “Nobody” was no easy feat. Odenkirk trained for two years with stunt coordinator Daniel Bernhardt. He describes the process as switching from a comedic writer’s body to an action hero’s. “It wasn’t a fun laugh,” he says, reflecting on how challenging it was.

Interestingly, that training proved invaluable when he had a heart attack on the set of “Better Call Saul” in 2021. “It helped me survive,” Odenkirk shares. Even leading up to the premiere of “Nobody 2,” he was still working out.

At over 50, Odenkirk embraces his uniqueness. “I’m not the typical action star,” he admits. He personalizes Hutch’s character, portraying relatable moments like taking out the garbage or parenting struggles. “I’m not cool or handsome like typical action heroes. But I’m relatable, just like you.”

This shift in focus highlighted a growing trend in action films—viewers are gravitating toward characters that feel real and relatable, rather than the untouchable action stars of the past. Recent surveys show that audiences prefer stories featuring everyday heroes, reflecting a desire for authenticity in a world filled with gloss and glamour.

As “Nobody 2” hits theaters, it’s clear Odenkirk aims to continue breaking molds while giving a nod to the everyman in all of us. This sequel doesn’t just deliver action; it connects with audiences on a deeper level.

For more insights into the evolution of action stars and audience preferences, here’s an interesting report from the American Film Institute.

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Bob Odenkirk,Nobody 2