Bob Odenkirk reflects on his experience with The Office, sharing an explanation for why he feels he ultimately lost out on the role of Michael Scott to Steve Carrell in the popular sitcom. While Odenkirk would build his name with sketch comedy series and writing for SNL, his role of sketchy lawyer Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and its spin-off Better Call Saul, helped Odenkirk break out as a more serious actor. While Carell would lead the sitcom for seven seasons and the series finale as Scott, Odenkirk would make a guest appearance in season 9’s “Moving On”.

Odenkirk opened up to Office Ladies podcast hosts and series stars Jemma Fischer and Angela Kinsley about almost being cast as Michael Scott. The actor explains the earnest nature that helps him craft subtler and serious later performances left him unable to compare to the more unpredictable and energetic performance that Carrell could offer. Check out Odenkirk’s analysis below:

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 [in The Office]. There were other parts that I think I was up for that Steve got, and it’s because he’s better at being genuinely fun, 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. And, you know, you just don’t believe me as a purely light character. You just are looking for the darkness, and that’s actually great in drama. That’s a plus, you know? But in comedy, it’s not a plus.

How Odenkirk Moved From A Comedy Career To More Dramatic Roles

Odenkirk’s Early Career Was Behind The Camera

For Odenkirk, comedy helped launch his career with his tenure as a writer for Saturday Night Live, an experience that helped him hone his craft and build up connections with friendships with stars including Conan O’Brien, Ben Stiller, and notably David Cross, who he would help develop HBO’s Mr Show from 1995 and 1998. With the actor’s incredible links and solid footing within the world of comedy, he in turn would help comedic duo Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim build their own careers while starring in sitcoms. Everything would change for Odenkirk once he joined Breaking Bad in 2009.

With Breaking Bad‘s incredible success and its spin-off Better Call Saul earning further accolades, Odenkirk’s recognition soared and allowed him to prove himself as a capable actor, beginning with his work on Fargo season 1 as Police Chief Bill Oswalt. But Odenkirk wouldn’t limit his dramatic range to shows focusing on murky, morally complex criminals, showing his talent as The Incredibles 2‘s ambitious businessman Winston Deavor, Little Women‘s Father March, and Nobody‘s former assassin Hutch Mansell. Despite this, Odenkirk hasn’t buried his comedy roots, working with Cross while taking on comedic guest roles.

While Odenkirk has more than proven himself a versatile and talented actor in his own right, it is clear that his evaluation of Carell highlights the actor’s contributions to The Office. While characters like Saul are heralded among TV’s most celebrated figures and Odenkirk had the experience, recognition of Michael Scott extends beyond the series thanks to Carrell’s energetic, off-beat portrayal. As such, despite Odenkirk’s talent, it is hard to imagine anyone else other than Carrell playing Dunder Mifflin’s regional manager.

Source: Office Ladies