Jenna Fischer Auditioned For 'The Office' Alongside This Iconic Actor Who Was Almost Cast As Michael

Posted by Kelle Repass on Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Looking again, NBC's damage hit 'The Office' was a big chance on the subject of its presentation. It adopted a documentary-type taste, later known as, a mockumentary. What made the show stick out is its filming taste, which featured no reside studio target market, at the side of a unmarried camera for its taping.

Ultimately, the risk was a lot price it and the display became a smash hit, nonetheless adored by way of the fanbase as of late on repeat. The sitcom lasted 9 seasons at the side of over 2 hundred episodes.

Despite the good fortune of the show, things could've looked very different, particularly from a casting point of view.

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As we're going to come to appreciate, some primary names had attempted out for the display all over its early stages. Let's simply say, one of the most major roles could've had a big twist.

In specific, we'll look at an intriguing audition that happened alongside Jenna Fischer, aka Pam. The iconic actor blew the room away and it's said that he if truth be told obtained the part. However, because of a undeniable any person's availabilities, that every one changed.

We wouldn't change a thing concerning the show, though it's attention-grabbing to assume how different things could've regarded.

The Entire Cast Almost Looked Very Different

The competition to get on the show was fierce. After the show came to an end, we got some primary main points on what went on behind the scenes, especially when it came to the casting process.

For starters, Rainn Wilson was the first identify on the audition sheet for Dwight, then again, there was a slew of other names considered, not to mention that he additionally auditioned for Michael's position.

RELATED - Dwight Schrute Nearly Got An 'Office' Spin-Off Show

As for Jim, his position was a long way from safe.

Although John Krasinski hit it out of the park, it is interesting to consider Adam Scott and what he may've dropped at the character. Although he did not get the role, he made sufficient of an influence to be regarded as for the follow-up challenge, 'Parks And Rec'. He turned into a fan favorite and common on the display.

As it turns out, the toughest section became out to be casting the Michael Scott character. NBC brought in several high-profile names to read for the section. One specifically just about had the position secured, if not for a transformation on the last minute.

The Role Of Michael Scott Had Plenty Of Competition

According to casting director Allison Jones, discovering the suitable candidate for the role of Michael Scott turned out to be probably the most tough process. The criteria was the megastar needed to be over 35 and in step with Uproxx, there were various names in play.

The list featured so many top-tier talents, together with Louis C.K., Stephen Colbert, John C. Reilly, David Arquette, Eugene Levy, Jason Segal, and such a lot of others.

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It bought narrowed down to 2, and a certain any individual actually inspired, "He was available. He had a great reputation in the comedy world, and he hadn’t yet become famous. He wasn’t really well known.”

This celeb would read lines alongside Fischer and came inches away from getting the role.

Bob Odenkirk Auditioned With Jenna Fischer & Almost Got The Role

It was down to Bob Odenkirk and Steve Carell, two iconic faces in the entertainment world.

Fischer recalls her time alongside Odenkirk in the audition room, it is said that he was a joy to be around.

“I was in the Steve Carell test group. I knew Bob Odenkirk when I was auditioning for The Office, and we were both called. I was called to do Pam and he was called to do Michael, so we got together and practiced together.”

“[Bob] did this very funny audition where he brought in his guitar and sang along to Pam. We had worked it all out. We were going to ask if we could do it if we were paired together, but we never were.”

Ultimately, Jones stated that saying no to Bob was downright gut-wrenching, given how great and respected he was. The difference at the end of the day was the fact that Bob played the role a little edgier and darker compared to Steve.

"He had an edge to him. His take was as funny as Steve’s, but it surely was darker."

We can all agree, the correct decision was made, and don't feel bad for Odenkirk, as he thrived in 'Breaking Bad', which in turn, would lead down the path to his very own spin-off, 'Better Call Saul'. 

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Sources: Uproxx, EW & Floor 8

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