‘The Office’ Casting Director Says NBC Wanted Paul Giamatti or Philip Seymour Hoffman to Play Michael Scott

Image from The Hollywood Reporter

• NBC wanted big-name actors like Paul Giamatti and Philip Seymour Hoffman to play Michael Scott, but the casting director was skeptical they'd be interested in a 'bottom of the barrel' TV comedy.
• Steve Carell, who ultimately nailed the role, was initially committed to another show, forcing the casting team to consider actors like Patton Oswalt and Bob Odenkirk before Carell's availability freed up.