Steve Carell had a great career even prior to 'The Office'. However, his role as Michael Scott really changed things, suddenly, he was on top of the sitcom world, turning the show into comedy gold.
However, all good things must come to an end, and Steve would part ways, an exit fans blame on NBC and their negations with the star.
Nonetheless, finding a replacement for Carell was an impossible task.
There were names that floated around, including a certain HBO legend. An offer was made, though ultimately, the actor was forced to decline as the network stepped in and literally paid him a huge sum not to take the role, in order to protect his image and legacy.
We'll reveal what the offer was and how it all went down behind the scenes.
James Gandolfini Was Strict About His Image
When it's time to promote for a film, actors usually do PR work, along with appearing on talk shows. For James Gandolfini, he didn't enjoy taking this path throughout his career. In fact, Harvey Weinstein tried to force the actor on David Letterman back in the day to promote his film, 'Killing Them Softly'.
James was so adamant about not doing the appearance, that he almost got into a physical altercation with the no disgraced filmmaker.
According to the late actor alongside NJ Monthly, he didn't like making the appearances for the reason that he didn't have anything interesting to say.
''In reality I’m so boring that I don’t want people to get close to me, because they’ll realize how boring I am, and they won’t want to watch anymore. I’m just a normal guy. It’s the writing that is interesting and the characters. The less said about me, the better.''
He created a great legacy on 'The Sopranos', so much so that HBO paid him a big sum of money to keep that legacy intact and not join a certain show.
'HBO' Made Sure To Block James Gandolfini From Joining 'The Office'
Steve Schirripa was the one that released this exclusive behind-the-scenes information. When it was time for Steve Carell to leave 'The Office', the sitcom desperately looked for a big name to replace the sitcom legend, Michael Scott.
It is said that James Gandolfini actually had a huge offer in place to take Carell's spot on the show.
“I think before James Spader and after [Steve] Carell, they offered [Gandolfini], I want to say, $4 million to play him for the season — and HBO paid him $3 million not to do it. That’s a fact.”
Ultimately, the late actor didn't take the role, likely in large part thanks to HBO's massive offer.
They wanted to keep his legacy intact from 'The Sopranos', and perhaps taking on a different role like 'The Office' might've shown a softer side of one of the most feared characters in HBO history.
Nonetheless, 'The Office' thrived in the transition from Steve Carell, as another big actor stepped up, volunteering to fill in for a couple of episodes.
Will Ferrell Briefly Stepped Into The Role By Volunteering
'The Office' was in a tough situation when Steve Carell decided to step down from the show. However, things were made a lot easier when Will Ferrell presented himself to replace Michael Scott.
According to John Krasinski, Ferrell stepped in to help relieve some tension.
“He’s such a fan of the show, and he knew we would be in a tight spot, and he wanted to help relieve the tension in a way. So he called our producers, and asked if they could ever use him to step in.”
It speaks volumes about him as a person. He wants to make sure that the show doesn’t get hurt in this big transition.”
Not only did step in, but he also helped to ease the tension of Steve Carell leaving behind the scenes, according to 'The Office' show writer, “It was really such a nice generous gift of Will to give us because it was such a bittersweet time,” Lieberstein said. “Everyone was so sad about Steve leaving that the presence of Will Ferrell there was like a soothing balm to put over the situation of everyone’s sadness.”
At the end of the day, it all worked out, though fans can't help what to wonder what the show would've looked like had the late legend James Gandolfini joined in.
Without a doubt, it would've been something special to have seen him on the show.
