Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston Profile Photo

Characters played by Bryan Cranston

Hal — Malcolm in the Middle (2000)

Co-head of the dysfunctional working-class family alongside Lois. He is the father of four (later five) boys, navigating the challenges of raising his sons in a chaotic household.

Li — Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)

Po's biological father, a cheerful and loving panda villager.

Vitaly — Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (2012)

A dramatic Russian tiger and circus star.

Chief — Isle of Dogs (2018)

Chief is an all-black lifelong stray who appears to lead the dog pack on Trash Island. Though initially unwilling to help Atari, he joins the search for Spots and becomes closely bonded with the boy. After his true spotted coat is revealed, he is recognized as Spots' younger brother and later becomes Atari's bodyguard.

Shannon — Drive (2011)

The owner of the auto shop who manages the Driver's various jobs. He acts as a key intermediary between the Driver and the mob bosses Bernie and Nino. His careless revelation of Irene's involvement to the mob directly escalates the violence, leading to his brutal assassination by Bernie Rose when he refuses to cooperate.

Joe Brody — Godzilla (2014)

Janjira plant supervisor obsessed with uncovering the truth.

Cohaagen — Total Recall (2012)

Alternate reference to Vilos Cohaagen in certain cuts.

Reagan — The Phoenician Scheme (2025)

A Californian investor partnering with Leland. Korda tricks them into signing a contract with increased financial contributions. Like his partner, Reagan is furious at the deception but is ultimately persuaded to help cover the funding gap.

The Host — Asteroid City (2023)

A television host who opens the film by introducing a documentary about the creation and production of the play Asteroid City.

Powell — John Carter (2012)

Union Colonel in 1868 Arizona who arrests John Carter and attempts to recruit him to fight local Apaches. After Carter escapes, Powell is wounded and chased alongside him until they hide in a gold-filled cave.

Li — Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)

Po's biological father who runs a hidden panda village.

Michael Desiato — Your Honor (2020)

A prominent and respected New Orleans judge whose teenage son causes a fatal hit-and-run. He initially urges his son to surrender, then chooses to protect him after discovering the victim's connection to a mob kingpin. In Season 2, he works undercover against the mob while seeking answers about his wife's death.

Career Overview

Bryan Cranston has 187 screen credits in a career dating back to 1975. Their work spans 10 cinematic universes — most prominently Kung Fu Panda with 2 titles. Signature works include Malcolm in the Middle, Isle of Dogs, Kung Fu Panda 4. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For
Acting
Gender
male
Known Credits
187
Birth Date
1956-03-07 00:00:00
Birth Place
Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 10 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q23547), public domain (CC0).