10 Mind-Blowing Facts You Didn't Know About The Office
6. The What-Ifs
When it was announced among Hollywood's up and coming comedy collective that the popular UK series The Office would be localised, those people wanted to get in on the ground floor.
While it's hard to imagine anyone doing a better job than Steve Carell, there were some big potential names looking to fill the role of Michael Scott. Bob Odenkirk, better known as Saul Goodman to most, Paul Giamatti, Martin Short, and man of many Simpsons voices Hank Azaria all auditioned for the part.
Arguably the senior supporting characters on the show, Jim and Dwight were also sought after characters. The likes of Adam Scott (of Parks and Recreation fame) and John Cho (best known for the Harold and Kumar films) were looking to play Jim. The role of Dwight was contested by 30 Rock cast member Judah Friedlander and King of Queens alum Patton Oswalt, as well as comedy star Seth Rogen.
There was an initial idea to incorporate the UK counterparts of Tim, Gareth, and Dawn into the mix, but they never came to be. The lead role in New Girl stopped Zooey Deschanel from appearing, and both Will Arnett and Carol Burnett were set to have roles at some point.