Bob Odenkirk and David Cross Discuss the Crisis That Prompted Their Ascent of Machu Picchu

      Three years after nearly dying from a heart attack, Bob Odenkirk agreed to travel to Peru and trek Machu Picchu with his close friend and longtime collaborator, David Cross. It was an idea proposed by Cross, who had long desired to hike the Inca Trail. Following Odenkirk's heart attack in 2021 while filming his series Better Call Saul, Cross felt it was essential to fulfill this dream before it was too late. Upon Cross's invitation to join him, Odenkirk, who he met in the '90s during The Ben Stiller Show, instantly agreed.

      In 2024, a film crew documented the comedic duo's four-day journey, resulting in the documentary Bob and David Climb Machu Picchu. This 80-minute film showcases stunning landscapes and humor, but it transcends a typical travel documentary or comedy show. Instead, it delves into themes of friendship, careers, and human vulnerability. "In the first 10 minutes of the film, we wanted to set the tone that this isn’t a travelogue," Odenkirk explained. "Don’t come for a Rick Steves-type experience; come to spend time with these guys." The documentary frequently discusses their acclaimed HBO series Mr. Show with Bob and David—recognized by MovieMaker as one of the funniest TV shows ever—while also including clips of Cross in Arrested Development and Odenkirk in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. Cross noted that this film "transcends" the usual celebrity documentary format.

      "It’s what makes it special and meaningful," Cross stated. "It focuses on friendship. You don’t have to be in the film industry to relate to a friend you don’t often see who you reunite with for a special experience." Bob and David Climb Machu Picchu premiered at the Tribeca Festival on June 6. We spoke with them about their personal experiences at high altitudes.

      MovieMaker: Was this documentary intended as a pitch for a travel series featuring both of you?

      Bob Odenkirk: There’s definitely a consideration for more adventures like this. It may not be a TV show, but if audiences enjoyed the vibe of this film, we would be open to further adventures that are challenging but mainly focus on spending time with friends.

      MovieMaker: Your much-loved HBO sketch show from the '90s, Mr. Show with Bob and David, is referenced throughout the documentary. Are you hoping to create another episode of the Mr. Show reunion series “W/ Bob and David” for Netflix?

      Bob Odenkirk: I take great pride in those shows we created, and I know Ted Sarandos loved them too, but we are both deeply involved in many other projects at this time. I’m not sure we could commit to the level needed to develop another series.

      David Cross: It requires a lot of dedication.

      MovieMaker: Regarding Netflix, it seems they or another major streaming service would have been eager to fund this kind of documentary. Why did you choose to produce it independently with Left/Right?

      Bob Odenkirk: We aimed for a handmade vibe. With Left/Right, we felt that was the atmosphere we wanted. We also discovered things during filming. We didn’t want to create just a travelogue. There are moments in the film where I might seem to take on the role of a travelogue host more than I would like, but primarily we wanted to show two old friends hanging out, having fun, while also showcasing this incredible place in the world.

      MovieMaker: The 2024 documentary Will & Harper addresses social issues, but I'm curious if that film inspired this one at all?

      Bob Odenkirk: No. I was motivated by two things. One was the Beatles documentary, Get Back, which made me realize after six hours that I could enjoy even more time just hanging out with them. The second influence was podcasts, particularly those where friends casually chat. These experiences led me to recognize a real desire among audiences for a laid-back, familiar interaction after a long day of work and social media. Get Back and podcasts inspired me to think a documentary could work.

      MovieMaker: You both exhibit humor throughout the film. Did you feel pressured to constantly perform while hiking?

      David Cross: Not at all. We were aware that we would have hours of footage and that we would find some great material among it.

      MovieMaker: In the documentary, you're both open about your complicated relationships with your fathers, the entertainment industry, and Bob, your heart condition. Were there any topics considered off-limits?

      Bob Odenkirk: We both agreed to avoid forcing emotional moments. Your point about Will & Harper is valid. I recognized that we were making a documentary where there wasn't significant turmoil in our personal lives — just spending time together. I wondered if that would work. Personally, I was conscious of allowing some personal aspects to surface, but I wasn’t going to