Here's something you might not know: Toys R Us sells Breaking Bad [1] figurines of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman. Here's something you might have predicted: parents aren't happy about the idea of their kids playing with figurines of bald, meth-dealing science teachers. One Florida mother is so outraged that her petition against Toys R Us stocking the toys, which feature Walter carrying a gun and a bag of meth, has made headlines this week [2]. In an amusing twist of events, Bryan Cranston entered the controversy by tweeting a response to the woman's complaint:
"Florida mom petitions against Toys 'R Us over Breaking Bad action figures." I'm so mad, I'm burning my Florida Mom action figure in protest
— Bryan Cranston (@BryanCranston) October 20, 2014 [3]
Meanwhile, Aaron Paul had less of a jokey response when he learned that Toys R Us had actually pulled the Breaking Bad figurines [4] in response to the petition. He sent out critical tweets to the toy store chain, asking if they would be pulling other "adult-themed" games.
Wait, so @ToysRUs [5] pulled all of the Breaking Bad figures from their shelves and still sells Barbie? Hmmmm...I wonder what is more damaging?
— Aaron Paul (@aaronpaul_8) October 23, 2014 [6]
"@BarackObama [7]: Wait, are you serious about the whole @ToysRUs [8] thing?!?" Yes I am Mr. President. Yes I am.
— Aaron Paul (@aaronpaul_8) October 23, 2014 [9]
And what about all of the violent video games you sell @ToysRUs [10] ? Do you still sell those? Florida mom really messed it up for everyone.
— Aaron Paul (@aaronpaul_8) October 23, 2014 [11]
What's your take? Do Breaking Bad figurines belong in stores for children? Sound off here. [12]