Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the actor reflected on the opportunities that followed his breakout role as Lalo Salamanca while admitting he is now trying to avoid being typecast.
Tony Dalton Wants to Avoid Repeating Lalo Salamanca
Few television villains have left the same impression as Lalo Salamanca, the charismatic cartel figure Dalton portrayed on “Better Call Saul.” The performance earned widespread acclaim and helped launch the actor into high-profile projects including “Sugar,” “Hawkeye,” and “Daredevil: Born Again.” Still, Dalton revealed that the success has also brought a familiar pattern of offers.
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Reflecting on the aftermath of the AMC series, Dalton explained that he has repeatedly been approached to play another cruel boss. “I’m trying to stay away from another ‘cartel leader from Mexico,’ which I’ve been offered many times since Better Call Saul.” That was one of the reasons he was drawn to “Sugar,” where he plays corrupt Los Angeles sheriff Ray Vega. While the character is still an antagonist, Dalton pointed out that “it’s not the same guy. It’s a whole different world.”
The actor also shared that he looks for ways to make each role feel distinct, even when the projects come from the same franchise. While portraying Jack Duquesne in Marvel’s “Hawkeye” and “Daredevil: Born Again,” he decided to give the swordsman what he described as a “pseudo-transatlantic British accent.” The unexpected choice even caught producers off guard. “After two weeks, Trinh [and the producers] were like, ‘What are you doing?’… I was like, ‘Well, it’s too late now. We’re going British on this one.'” For Dalton, the decision came down to one simple goal: “I could not be the same guy again.”
Despite wanting to broaden his range, Dalton has no doubts about the impact “Better Call Saul” had on his career. Looking back, he recalled being recognized in places he never expected, from the streets of Budapest to a small shop in northern Norway. “It wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for Better Call Saul. It’s been a blessing for me.”
