Bob Odenkirk almost played Michael Scott in The Office instead of Steve Carell

He's one of the most iconic and well-known TV characters but the part very nearly went to a different actor.

In a new book titled The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s, a producer on The Office revealed that the role of paper boss Michael Scott wasn't always going to go to Steve Carell. In fact, according to the book, it was looking like Breaking Bad star Bob Odenkirk was going to play the Dunder Mifflin head honcho.

"We were circling Bob Odenkirk," they revealed. "He was available. He had a great reputation in the comedy world, and he hadn't yet become famous. He wasn't really well known.

"He had an edge to him. His take was as funny as Steve's, but it was darker… He was a little tougher and meaner."

So what was it that made them go with Carell over Odenkirk? Apparently it came down to each actor's portrayal of Michael Scott.

Carell's Michael Scott style was reportedly more "jerk and a douche" whereas Odenkirk's take on the iconic character was of an "a---hole."

Casting agent Allison Jones recalled having to call Odenkirk's agent to break the bad news.

"The worst thing I have ever had to do ever is to tell Bob Odenkirk's agent that he didn't get The Office … Believe me, it was a bummer to make that call and I do suspect the show would have worked with Bob Odenkirk."

The Office is streaming now on Stan (which is owned by Nine Entertainment Co, the publisher of this website).