Bob Odenkirk Reveals Why He Lost Role to Steve Carell

Bob Odenkirk believes he’s finally figured out why he lost the role of Michael Scott in The Office to Steve Carell. It’s no secret among fans of NBC’s acclaimed sitcom that Better Call Saul‘s Bob Odenkirk was considered for the leading role, which eventually went to Carell. To many, Carell made himself irreplaceable in the role. However, it is intriguing to imagine how different the show might be if Odenkirk won the part.

Bob Odenkirk recently appeared on the Office Ladies podcast, hosted by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey. As well as discussing his career in acting and comedy, Odenkirk addressed his failed audition for the role of Michael Scott, the regional manager of the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin. Odenkirk believes he knows why he didn’t land the role, saying that he’s too earnest to play such a laissez-faire character:

“I am, in a strange way, a very earnest person for a person in comedy. I am oddly earnest, and … it’s one of the reasons I think Steve Carell is a better, you know — is the one who got the role. I think I bring with me a little bit too much earnest seriousness. And it’s just kinda there. And there’s nothing I can do about it except play other roles where it’s helpful to have that.”

Bob Odenkirk’s audition wasn’t completely wasted. Odenkirk later appeared as a Michael Scott-esque boss in Season 9. The actor played Mark, the regional manager of Simon Realty, who interviews Pam (Fischer) for a receptionist job. Odenkirk’s surprise cameo in the series was a way of including him in the show’s final season.

The Office Is Being Rebooted

The Office went off the air in 2013 after nine seasons. The series is one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time and enjoys endless rewatches from fans both new and old. The fan base was surprised earlier this year when it was announced that the show is being “rebooted” with creator Greg Daniels returning to helm the new project. The new series is more of an indirect sequel than a reboot, according to Daniels. The revived show moves away from Dunder Mifflin, bringing in a new cast and focusing on a failing local newspaper in the Midwest.

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The Office Star Agrees That This Famous Joke From the Series Is ‘Weak’

“It’s a little bit of an old joke at this point,” said Steve Carell during an appearance on BBC Radio 1 while playing a game of Unpopular Opinions.

Sabrina Impacciatore (The White Lotus) and Domhnall Gleeson (Ex Machina) will be leading the new project. While details about the series are thin, Steve Carell has already heaped praise on Gleeson’s casting in the show, and revealed that the Irish actor actually called him before accepting the role in The Office revival. Carell said:

“I know Domhnall Gleeson, who I did The Patient with, is going to be one of the leads. I know that for sure. And he’s an excellent actor. He actually called me and asked, ‘Should I do this? Did you enjoy it?'”