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Visualizing anyone but John Krasinski as Jim Halpert in “The Office” seems almost inconceivable. Yet, in an alternate casting universe, Josh Radnor, famously known for his role as Ted Mosby in “How I Met Your Mother,” was considered for this iconic character. Fortunately, the casting team made a choice that feels perfect in retrospect.
CBS
Imagine someone else besides John Krasinski playing Jim Halpert in “The Office.” Impossible, right? Well, thank the casting gods for this wise decision, because Jim could have been portrayed by Josh Radnor, better known as Ted Mosby from “How I Met Your Mother.”
Radnor himself has acknowledged that his understanding of the character didn’t quite align with the show’s tone. In hindsight, it’s clear that everything unfolded for the best, as it’s hard to imagine the dynamic between Jim and Dwight being quite the same with anyone else in the role.
It’s a well-known fact that numerous renowned actors vied for key roles in this beloved workplace comedy. Bob Odenkirk’s audition for Michael Scott, for instance, presented a distinct take compared to the version Steve Carell ultimately delivered. Similarly, Josh Radnor wasn’t the only notable contender for the role of Jim.
In March 2013, Rainn Wilson, who famously portrayed Dwight Schrute, shared a snapshot on his Facebook page featuring the sign-in sheet from the initial day of auditions. This document not only confirmed Wilson as the first to audition for Dwight and Michael but also unveiled that two other prominent actors were in the running for Jim.
Other notable TV actors also auditioned for the role of Jim Halpert
NBC
Among those names was Adam Scott, known for his roles in “Parks and Recreation” and “Severance.” Given his comedic talent, it’s easy to imagine Scott in the role, though his portrayal of Jim would certainly differ from Krasinski’s. Another contender was Hamish Linklater, recognized for his work in “The New Adventures of Old Christine” and “Midnight Mass.” While both are excellent performers, it’s clear that John Krasinski was destined to be Jim Halpert. In the end, the audience was the true beneficiary of this impeccable casting decision.
In March 2013, Rainn Wilson, who plays Dwight Schrute in “The Office,” posted a picture on his Facebook page of the sign-in sheet for the first day of casting. Not only did this photo show that Wilson was the first person to audition on the day for the parts of Dwight and Michael, but it also revealed two big names read for the role of Jim.
The first name on the list is Adam Scott, who viewers will recognize from “Parks and Recreation” and “Severance.” Considering Scott’s comedy pedigree, it isn’t too difficult to see his name attached here, though his version of Jim would certainly be different from John Krasinski’s. The second name is Hamish Linklater, who appeared in “The New Adventures of Old Christine” and “Midnight Mass.” Again, a terrific performer, but is he Jim Halpert? Maybe it was destiny for Krasinski to play Jim, or just really good casting. Regardless, we — the audience — won in the end.
