Aaron Paul Opens Up About His Role as Mecha Man in Dispatch and His Return to Gaming

Aaron Paul, best known for his role in Breaking Bad, is stepping into the world of video games with Dispatch, a new narrative-driven adventure that mixes superhero storytelling with emotional depth. In an interview with ScreenRant, Paul shared insights about his character, the creative process, and his personal connection to gaming.

Developed as a choice-based game, Dispatch casts players as a superhero dispatcher managing a team of reformed villains while temporarily grounded from hero duty. Paul voices the main character, Mecha Man, an Iron Man-style figure whose powers depend on a suit that is currently being repaired. While sidelined, he takes on the role of supervising a group of misfit heroes, a setup that gives the game a mix of humor, tension, and heart.

Paul described what drew him to the project and how his previous experience in animation prepared him for this new challenge.

“I really love animation so much. But what I love about adult animation is it tends to be funny at the core, but they’re not afraid to really tug at your heartstrings,” Paul said. “They’ve been doing that forever, like with Disney movies. I remember watching Bambi, and when they killed Bambi’s mom, it was one of the most horrific things I’d ever seen as a child.” — Aaron Paul

He explained that emotional storytelling has always guided his career decisions. His work on BoJack Horseman helped him appreciate projects that balance humor and sadness, something he sees reflected in Dispatch.

“Animation is very precious to me,” Paul continued. “When this was sent to me, it was stacks of scripts and a sizzle reel. There was one scene that really resonated with me—just two characters sitting on top of a billboard, having a conversation. I just loved the tone.” — Aaron Paul

According to the actor, the game’s story and branching choices made it a massive undertaking. The recording sessions lasted two years, capturing every possible player decision. Paul said the depth of the narrative reminded him of reading a detailed novel.

“It took two years for us to record this thing. There are just so many directions that you can go, like the gamer. We wanted to make sure that it was recorded properly with every option out there,” Paul said. “I think people are going to really respond to it. I really love the story.” — Aaron Paul

Paul revealed that the character’s frustration and longing were easy to access because the writing was strong from the start. As Mecha Man, he plays a generational hero whose family has long worn the same mantle, struggling to prove himself while guiding others toward redemption.

“He’s desperate to put the suit back on and fight crime,” Paul explained. “As the suit is being repaired, he’s working at this superhero dispatch office, in charge of a group of misfits who were once villains. He doesn’t want to be there. They’re not giving him any respect, and he’s just trying to show them that they can, in fact, be good.” — Aaron Paul

When asked about the replayable nature of Dispatch, Paul noted that the idea of players missing parts of his performance never bothered him. He appreciated that player choice defines each experience.

The conversation also shifted toward his personal history with gaming. Paul described himself as a passionate gamer in his younger years, admitting that his enthusiasm sometimes became all-consuming.

“I used to play a lot, but I was one of those gamers who couldn’t put the controller down,” he said. “Back in the day, like Mario Kart—crushing Mario Kart—and then GoldenEye and Resident Evil. I’d play until 5 a.m., terrified but hooked.” — Aaron Paul

He added that his brother remains deeply involved in gaming communities, which helped him understand how games bring people together. Paul also shared that he once appeared as an Easter egg in a Grand Theft Auto title, an experience that strengthened his desire to take on a more substantial role in gaming.

“I’ve had a lot of games sent my way, and this one just really connected with me,” Paul said. “I’m extremely excited to finally be a part of the gaming universe.” — Aaron Paul

The ScreenRant interview also touched briefly on Paul’s admiration for classic superheroes, particularly Batman. He mentioned once being offered a small role in one of Christopher Nolan’s Batman films but was unable to participate due to scheduling conflicts.

Dispatch features a strong cast, including Jeffrey Wright, Laura Bailey, and Matthew Mercer, adding further weight to its storytelling approach. With Paul’s detailed performance and a narrative built on emotional choices, Dispatch aims to deliver an experience that merges the scope of superhero fiction with the personal tone of an interactive drama.