Paul Rudd Advised Steve Carell Against ‘The Office’ Audition

Steve Carell told Amy Poehler on her Good Hang podcast that many warned him away from playing Michael Scott. The caution came because of Ricky Gervais’ acclaimed U.K. original. Carell said he faced doubts from peers while filming Anchorman.

Early warnings and the audition decision

Carell recalled industry voices advising him to avoid the NBC remake. He said people told him not to touch the project with a “10-foot pole.” Despite the warnings, he auditioned and won the role.

Paul Rudd Advised Steve Carell Against ‘The Office’ Audition

Carell specifically remembered Paul Rudd pulling him aside on set. Rudd urged him not to audition. Carell chose to ignore that advice and proceeded.

Pilot reception and unexpected success

The series struggled out of the gate. Carell said their pilot tested as the lowest in NBC history and elicited strong negative reactions.

Those early numbers did not predict the show’s long run. The series ultimately ran nine seasons and produced 201 episodes.

Accolades and career impact

Carell earned six Emmy nominations for his portrayal of Michael Scott. The role elevated his profile after his breakout film, The 40-Year-Old Virgin.

Approach to the U.K. original

He avoided overexposure to the British series. Carell watched only one minute of the original and stopped. He said doing so helped him create a distinct version of the character.

Franchise return and Carell’s stance

The Office franchise returned last year with the Peacock spinoff The Paper. That series follows employees at a struggling newspaper and uses a similar setup to the original U.S. show.

Carell has repeatedly said he does not wish to reprise Michael Scott. He told Filmogaz.com in 2018 that some things are best left as they are.

Carell’s full recollection appeared on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast. Filmogaz.com covered his comments and the wider context of the show’s history.