‘The Office’: Paul Rudd Said the Show Would ‘Never Be as Good’ as the British Version; Why Steve Carell Played Michael Scott Anyway – Showbiz Cheat…

One of Steve Carells most iconic roles is Michael Scott inThe Office. Ironically, several people told Carellnotto audition for the NBC series, includingThe Shrink Next Dooractor Paul Rudd. Find out what Rudds advice was to Carell when he was getting ready to audition for the American version ofThe Office. Plus, why Carell stuck with the role despite Rudds advice and critics negative reviews.

Rudd and Carell are both successful actors. But before Carell became known for playing Michael Scott and Rudd was dubbed Sexiest Man Alive, the two starred in the 2004 comedyAnchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.

The Officedebuted in 2005, and when they were working together onAnchorman, Carell discussed auditioning for Michael Scott with Rudd. The British version of the show was a huge hit, but Rudd didnt think Carell auditioning for the American version was a smart career move.

Carell remembers talking to Rudd about auditioning for the American version ofThe Office. He goes, Dont do it,' Carell told Kevin Malone actor Brian Baumgartner onThe Office Deep Dive. Bad, bad move, dude. Its never going to be as good.

Ultimately, Carell went through with the audition. He was up againstBetter Call Saulstar Bob Odenkirk, but casting director Allison Jones opted for Carells take on the role.

During his conversation with Baumgarnter, Carell went on to say it was a miracleThe Officelasted the first and second season. There wasnt a lot of confidence in the show for a long time, Carell said. Despite Rudds advice and, later, a lack of love from critics, Carell continued playing the role of Michael Scott.

Reviews for the pilot episode ofThe Officewerent great. Where Ricky Gervais let the boss insecurities show through, Steve Carell is all noise and stupidity, Baumgartner read, citing one critics opinion. Hes like a sketch comedy character.

Carell said he and the rest of the cast disagreed with the early reviews. I think we felt like we were on to something, theSpace Forceactor said. And it wasnt the British version. It was something unto itself based on all of the components that were making it up.

RELATED: The Office: Brian Baumgartner Shares One of the Last Photos Ever Taken on Set

Carell credited producer Greg Daniels for choosing the right people for the show. One of his great talents is choosing people who have chemistry professionally and personally everybody got along, Carell said. We loved each other on that show. The connection with his fellow cast and the confidence they shared knowing they were doing something good and something of value ignited Carells passion for the role.

Rudd wasnt the first person to tell Carell bringingThe Officeto America was a bad idea. But he was wrong and continues to be.

The Officewas one of the most-streamed shows in 2020, which inspired Baumgartner to start two podcasts:An Oral History of The Officeand, later,The Office Deep Dive.Both have been well-received by fans who love the nostalgic look behind the scenes. TheOfficeactor also released a book in November 2021 titledWelcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of The Office.

Stream new episodes ofThe OfficeDeep Diveevery Tuesday. All nine seasons ofThe Officeare available to stream on Peacock.

RELATED: The Office: Steve Carell and Amy Ryan Worked Together Before the NBC Comedy Series

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'The Office': Paul Rudd Said the Show Would 'Never Be as Good' as the British Version; Why Steve Carell Played Michael Scott Anyway - Showbiz Cheat...