'The Infiltrator' Surges on Tubi: Cranston’s Crime Drama Gets a Second Wind

Bryan Cranston’s name is forever tied to his iconic stint as Walter White, the chemistry teacher who went rogue in Breaking Bad. Yet, after that legendary run, Cranston didn’t shy away from the world of crime on screen. Instead, he switched sides in 2016’s 'The Infiltrator', a film that’s now enjoying a fresh burst of popularity on Tubi, almost ten years after it first hit cinemas.

In this true-to-life tale, Cranston steps into the shoes of Robert Mazur, a U.S. customs bloke who goes deep undercover as a money man for some of the world’s most dangerous drug lords. Teaming up with Emir Abreu (John Leguizamo) and rookie agent Kathy Ertz (Diane Kruger), Mazur sets his sights on bringing down none other than Pablo Escobar. The film dives headfirst into the murky waters of drug cartels and government stings, with Cranston’s performance anchoring the whole thing.

Flipping the Script: From Drug Lord to Lawman

While Cranston’s role in Breaking Bad saw him descend into the criminal underworld, 'The Infiltrator' flips the script. Here, he’s the one trying to take down the bad guys, but he’s not above getting his hands dirty to keep his cover. It’s a different side of the same coin, and for many fans, it was the perfect follow-up to his TV triumph.

Some critics had a bit of a laugh, calling the film a

“decent Saturday laundry movie”

—the sort you can have on in the background while you get on with your chores. Still, Cranston’s lead turn was widely praised as the main reason to tune in, with his knack for playing conflicted characters shining through once again.

Not Your Typical Action Flick

Punters who went in expecting a high-octane Hollywood blockbuster in the vein of '24' might’ve been caught off guard. Instead, director Brad Furman, known for 'The Lincoln Lawyer', wrings out every bit of tension, delivering a story that’s both effective and entertaining. The film’s current resurgence on free streaming isn’t all that surprising, given its gripping take on a well-trodden subject.

Stories about drug cartels and Escobar have been done to death, but 'The Infiltrator' manages to carve out its own space. Cranston’s ability to bring depth to morally grey characters is a big part of what makes the film stand out from the crowd.

Box Office Blues and Streaming Redemption

Despite all this, the film didn’t exactly set the box office alight back in 2016. With a $22 million haul against a reported budget of $28–$47 million, it was a bit of a flop at the time. But thanks to streaming, it’s found a new audience and a second chance to shine.

Since then, Cranston has dipped back into the world of Breaking Bad, popping up as Walter White in 'Better Call Saul' and a few cheeky promos. He’s said he’s done with the character for good, but you never know—there’s always a chance he’ll get pulled back in for one last go.