The Office
Summary
The Office’sensemble roll of character is iconic , but many now - celebrated role player also audition for those role . Before Steve Carell , John Krasinski , and Jenna Fischer brought Michael , Jim , and Pam to life , the casting process churned through a puddle of bright actors , each draw a bead on to pull up stakes their marker on the dear sitcom . The Office , with its unequalled blend of humor , heart , and clumsiness , became a cultural phenomenon , but its journey to television screen door was paved with auditions that shaped its iconic character .
While audiences often reminisce about the familiar faces gracing their screens as Dunder Mifflin employees , it ’s worth looking back in time to research the hearing of those who almost became part ofThe Officecastand the show ’s legacy . Behind the scenes , there were actors who auditioned for roles that at long last locomote to other performers , yet their contribution to the casting physical process extend fascinating insights into the show ’s evolution . These reveals unveil the tarradiddle of ambition , natural endowment , and missed chance that precede the birth of one of boob tube ’s most cherished workplaces .
The Office is returning in an all - new reboot , and there are already a ton of exciting updates about the beloved comedy ’s long - awaited return .
Alan Tudyk Auditioned For Michael Scott
Tudyk Is Known For His Roles In Firefly & Rogue One
Among the actor who auditioned for Michael Scott , Dunder Mifflin ’s stumble Scranton offset director , was Alan Tudyk . Best known for his roles inFireflyandRogue One : A Star Wars Story , Tudyk was name on a call shroud from the show ’s first day of casting , as reveal by Rainn Wilson ( viaFacebook ) . While Steve Carell ultimately gain the office and brought Michael Scott ’s distinctive portmanteau word of cringe - suitable charm and embarrassing hilarity to life , Tudyk ’s take might have offer a fascinating alternative .
With his offbeat persona and distinctive comedic timing , Tudyk could have portray Michael with a dissimilar zip , perhaps leaning more into Michael ’s eccentricities and unpredictability . His adaptation might have amplified the character ’s chaotic enthusiasm , declare oneself a more whimsical look to the office environment . Although Tudyk was n’t sick , his potential cast suggests that the Godhead were willing to research varied interpretation for the show ’s iconic boss , highlighting how crucial the part was to the serial ' success .
Mary Lynn Rajskub Auditioned For Pam Beesly
Rajskub Plays Gail The Snail In It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia
Mary Lynn Rajskub was among the actors listed on the official call bed sheet shared by Rainn Wilson . She try out for the role of Pam Beesly , the sweet yet assertive receptionist at Dunder Mifflin . Though ultimately portrayed by Jenna Fischer , Rajskub , known for her office as Chloe O’Brian in24and her comedic turns asGail the Snail inIt ’s Always cheery in Philadelphia , could have make for a singular dynamic to the character .
Rajskub ’s distinctive comedic stylemight have transformed Pam into a sharp , quirkier presencewithin the office . Her portrayal could have emphasized Pam ’s more sarcastic , deadpan side , creating a contrasting and perhaps more restive interpersonal chemistry with Jim Halpert ( John Krasinski ) . This would have made Dunder Mifflin a different place but still undoubtedly hilarious . Although Rajskub was n’t wander , her sense of hearing touch at the show ’s originative receptivity to wide-ranging interpretations , highlight how diverse the potential portrayals for this darling fictional character were during the casting process .
Matt Besser Auditioned For Dwight Schrute
Besser Would Have Been A Much More Bizarre & Competitive Dwight
his involvement in the tryout summons reflects the diverse range of interpretation considered for Dwight
Before try out for Dwight Schrute , Matt Besser was already well - known as a beginner of the Upright Citizens Brigade improv troupe and television set series on Comedy Central . His audition for the eccentric Assistant to the Regional Manager was revealed in a casting call plane shared by Rainn Wilson , the actor who ultimately land the role .
Besser ’s comedic chops were on display inHaters Back Offon Netflix , where he portrayed the estranged founder of the family . This use spotlight caliber that could have made him a compelling Dwight Schrute . His improvisational background might have brought an even more unpredictable and chaotic energyto Dwight , emphasizing the character ’s bizarre quirks and competitive sharpness with an added touch of absurdity . Though Besser was n’t upchuck , his involution in the hearing process contemplate the various range of interpretations deal for Dwight , a character who became one of the most memorable and dear part ofThe Office .
Custom image by Stephen Barker
The Office ’s Dunder Mifflin seems like quite the company . There are a few reasons we ’d require to work with Michael Scott etc . , and some we would not .
Kathryn Hahn Auditioned For Pam Beesly
Hahn Is Now Part Of The MCU As Agatha Harkness
Long before her memorable role as Agatha Harkness onWandaVision , Kathryn Hahn auditioned for the theatrical role of Pam Beesly inThe Office . Her sense of hearing was let on in extra released on Peacock , showcasing her comedic endowment and distinctive spell . Though she did n’t get the part , her unique rendering of Pam would have tally a unlike flavor to the part . sleep with for her versatile comedic roles , Hahn could have brought a more gamy and bold bound to Pam , possibly cause the receptionist a rattling and more outspoken character .
Her audition left a last impression on producer , eventually lead to her role as political campaign manager Jennifer Barkley onParks and Recreation . Hahn ’s career has since flourished , with noted performance inBad Moms , Transparent , andStep Brothers . She continues to captivate audiences with her diverse range , along withthe upcomingAgatha , a spin - off ofWandaVision . While Jenna Fischer ’s portrayal of Pam remains iconic , Hahn ’s potential adaptation could have been just as exciting .
Patton Oswalt Auditioned For Dwight Schrute
Oswalt Is Best Known For Ratatouille & King Of Queens
Oswalt ’s version of Dwight might have emphasise a more mischievous and sardonic eccentric
Patton Oswalt , who also later appeared onParks and Recreation , originally try out for the theatrical role of Dwight Schrute inThe Office . This was revealed in a casting video released on Peacock . Though Rainn Wilson eventually took on the role , Oswalt ’s distinctive comedic vogue could have offered a fresh and delicious take on Dwight . Oswalt ’s variation of Dwight might have underline a more mischievous and sardonic eccentric , create a different dynamic with Krasinski ’s Jim Halpert .
This interpretation could have led to a acute , wittierJim - DwightThe Officerivalrythat would have contrasted with the quirky , offbeat Dwight hearing love . Additionally , Oswalt might have paired well with some of the other actor who audition for Jim , such as Adam Scott , add up an interesting layer to the draw possibility . Known for his function inRatatouille , King of Queens , andA.P. Bio , Oswalt has built a calling blending sharp wit with heartfelt humor .
Adam Scott Auditioned For Jim Halpert
Scott Became The Jim Halpert Of Parks & Recreation
Before being cast as Ben Wyatt onParks and Recreation , Adam Scott auditioned for the use of Jim Halpert onThe Office . Jim is charismatic and wizard , and Scott ’s audition proved he could have deliver a compelling portraiture . However , the show ’s creators ultimately chose John Krasinski , whose performance made the role iconic . It ’s hard to envisage anyone other than Krasinski personify Jim ’s signature blend of wit , appeal , and loveable mischief . Scott , who had been play longer than Krasinski , showcased his comedic timing and effortless likability during the auditory sense process .
Though he did n’t land the role of Jim , Scott ’s career persist in to flourish . He foundthe perfect persona as Ben Wyatt onParks and Recreation , where his alchemy with Amy Poehler ’s Leslie Knope became a highlighting of the series . Scott also comprehend a wealth of moving picture opportunity , includingStep Brothers , Big Little Lies , andSeverance , further solidify his star topology power . Scott ’s classifiable blend of humor and magic spell would have brought a unparalleled flavor to Jim , offer a version that might have leaned more into Jim ’s sarcastic side .
Michael Scott ’s dateless , tragical , often screaming quest for dearest is a core stem of The Office . We ’ve outrank the best sexual love interest he had .
Anne Dudek Auditioned For Pam Beesly
Dudek Has Appeared In How I Met Your Mother & Bones
she almost became Pam Beesly inThe business office
Anne Dudek is best known for playing Tiffany Wilson inWhite Chicks , Dr. Amber Volakis inHouse , and Lura Grant inBig Love . However , she almost became Pam Beesly inThe Office . Though Jenna Fischer ultimately shore the theatrical role , Dudek was an early rival and showcased her potential difference to bring a unique interpretation to the character . Dudek ’s version of Pam could have institute a different energyto Dunder Mifflin ’s receptionist . With her versatile acting range and distinctive comedic dash , she might have portray Pam with a sharper edge or a more self-assertive demeanour .
While Dudek has n’t reach Fischer ’s storey of comedy fame , she has maintained a successful career with noteworthy guest office across various popular telecasting shows . She played Ted ’s girlfriend Natalie inHow I Met Your Mother , Tessa Jankow inBones , and Eden inThe Mindy Project . Her versatility has made her a memorable comportment in series likeFriends from College , Mad Men , andCovert Affairs .
Eric Stonestreet Auditioned For Kevin Malone
Missing Out Allowed Stonestreet To Play Cam In Modern Family
Eric Stonestreet , best lie with for his purpose as Cameron Tucker in the ABC mockumentaryModern Familycast , auditioned for a very different part years to begin with . Long before he was collecting Emmy nominations , he tried his hand at the role of Kevin Malone inThe Office . Though the part in the end went to Brian Baumgartner , who masterfully brought the lovable yet clueless accountant to biography , Stonestreet ’s hearing showed he could have added his own unique twist to the quality .
Baumgartner ’s portrayal made Kevin one of the show ’s most endearing and comical image , and his castingallowed Stonestreet to eventually land the role of Cameron Tucker , which set his calling . As a result , the ultimate molding decisions produce a profits - win situation . Stonestreet ’s subsequent success onModern Familyearned him two Primetime Emmy Awards , cement him as one of television ’s leading comedic actors .
Ben Falcone Auditioned For Michael Scott
Melissa McCarthy’s Husband Went On To Become A Successful Director
Despite not landing the role , his career flight has show successful , showcasing his versatility
Michael Scott could have looked very different . Among the many actors who try out for the theatrical role was Ben Falcone , Melissa McCarthy ’s hubby . Though the role ultimately went to Steve Carell , Falcone showcased his comedic talent in his audition and could have brought a classifiable spin to the Dunder Mifflin manager . After lose out on Michael Scott , Falcone went on to build up a solid career in both video and motion-picture show . He appeared in guest roles inGilmore Girls , Bones , andNew Girland realise recognition for his performance in films likeBridesmaids , What to anticipate When You ’re Expecting , andSpy .
Hisfrequent collaborations with Melissa McCarthy , includingThe HeatandLife of the Party , have solidified Ben Falcone ’s place in comedy . Despite not land the role , his calling flight has proven successful , showcasing his versatility and knack for humor in various project , along with his directing calling . The movie maker directedTammy , The Boss , andThunder Force , all of which also starred McCarthy .
Seth Rogen Auditioned For Dwight Schrute
Rogen Went On To Star Alongside Steve Carrell In The 40-Year-Old Virgin
Seth Rogen once tried to land a post inThe Office’scast as Dwight Schrute . Although it ’s hard to opine anyone other than Rainn Wilson in the purpose , Rogen audition for the part , offering his unique comedic take . Known for playing whacky eccentric , his edition of Dwight might have lean more into the absurd , give the character a less serious and possibly more playful edge .
Though he was n’t cast , Rogen has since build an impressive career in acting , writing , and comedy . He ’s appeared in hit films likeNeighbors , The Interview , Steve Jobs , andThe Lion King . His collaborations with manager Judd Apatow and fellow actors like James Franco have cement him as a comedic powerhouse in Hollywood . Rogen ’s audition for Dwight Schrute play up howThe Officecould have direct a entirely different direction with his stain of humour . Despite not joining Dunder Mifflin , his continued success in film and goggle box shows no planetary house of slow up down .
