Ricky Gervais Denies Rumors of Auditioning for US Office Role

As The Office US celebrates its 20th anniversary, Ricky Gervais has addressed longstanding rumors about his involvement in the show. He clarified that he never auditioned to replace Steve Carell as Michael Scott, stating that such ideas were merely fabrications. Gervais emphasized the importance of cultural context, arguing that the success of The Office stemmed from its original British roots, making it essential for an American adaptation to be led by American creators. While Gervais was approached about possibly playing Michael Scott, he deemed it 'mental' to take on such a role. Co-creator Stephen Merchant shared his initial skepticism about the adaptation due to the poor track record of British shows in the US, but ultimately found the concept exciting. The interview highlights both the challenges and triumphs of adapting a beloved British sitcom for American audiences.