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Based on Ricky Gervais’ mockumentary-styled sitcomThe Office, when NBC’s US adaptation featured a major change in Steve Carell’s appearance following the second season of the show, people were baffled by it. But the sitcom never truly addressed Carell’s sudden glow-up as Michael Scott.
UntilThe Officestar Angela Kinsey addressed the matter,claiming how Steve Carell’s change in look helped him ditch Ricky Gervais’ shadows. Since it was originally based on the UK show, Kinsey noted, the creators initially wanted to make Michael Scott look like David Brent. But, eventually Carell’s change in style not only offeredThe OfficeUS a new direction but also helped the actor quit trying to fit in Gervais’ shoes.
Angela Kinsey Addressed Steve Carell’s Sudden Change in Look inThe OfficeS2
Considering howThe Officefans have literally memorized each scene and dialogue by heart, there’s no denying that they’re going to rememberSteve Carell‘s sudden change in appearance, from Season 2 onwards. Given how he previously looked a lot like Ricky Gervais’The OfficeUK character David Brent, Carell’s shocking change after season 1 sparked curiosity among fans.
Jenna Fischer: ‘Those parts of us were genuinely in love with one another’ on Falling Hard for John Krasinski’s Jim in The Office
However, NBC’sThe Officenever truly addressed this change, and instead, adapted and utilized Steve Carell’s appearance into the storyline. Later on, in 2019, the topic was picked up by the show’s alum Angela Kinsey on her podcastOffice Ladies(viaE! News) where she discussed Carell’s transformation and how the makeover later became a part of Michael Scott’s evolution.
The summer that he was going to film The 40-Year-Old Virgin, he got in crazy amazing shape… and then he’s maintained that.
He’s very fit now, he sort of, like, made that part of his life. They just gave him a whole new look too, they zhuzhed him up.
Admitting that Steve Carell’s change in appearance was baffling for the actors on set, as well as fans,Angela Kinseymentioned that it happened after Carell’s appearance in the 2005 movieThe 40-Year-Old Virgin. There onwards, as the actor decided to maintain that physique, Kinsey noted that Carell’s transformation was gradually adapted into Michael Scott’s storyline.
Steve Carell’s Renewed Appearance Helped Him Ditch Ricky Gervais’ Shadows
Thereafter, Angela Kinsey mentioned how Steve Carell’s sudden transformation actually changed his character andThe OfficeUS from being subjugated under the shadow ofRicky Gervais‘ originalThe Office.Admitting how NBC had initially planned to base their sitcom as well as Michael Scott’s character on the UK version, Kinsey noted that Carell initially mirrored David Brent’s look.
Originally his character was based on the British show and the boss there, so they really mirrored his look after David Brent.
And when Steve came back so much thinner and just looking amazing, they used it as an excuse… he looked great.
Eventually, this transformation forced NBC to open up the scope for a new identity and add anew dimension toThe OfficeUS. Thereafter, Steve Carell was finally able to ditch Ricky Gervais’ shadows with his new look and offer Michael Scott a brand new identity. Soon, Angela Kinsey mentioned how the show felt like it could really focus on Carell and be about his character.
They could really base it more on what Steve was going to bring to the character.
Well, that’s how Steve Carellbrought a change toThe OfficeUSand made it unique in its own way. The actor’s transformation not only helped him get in great shape but also allowed him to carve out Michael Scott’s identity, instead of simply relying on Ricky Gervais’ character.
The Officeis currently available to watch on Peacock.
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3217
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.
