HBO paid James Gandolfini $3 million not to star in The Office, according to Talking Sopranos

The Independent

Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa had on Ricky Gervais on their weekly Talking Sopranos podcast this week, where it was revealed that Gandolfini was considered for The Office starring role of Michael Scott. “You know, they talked about having Gandolfini at one point replace (Steve Carell), did you know that?” Imperioli asked Gervais. Schirripa added: “I think before James Spader and after Carell, they offered Jim, I want to say $4 million to play him for the season and HBO paid him $3 million not to do it. That’s a fact.” “That’s a good decision,” Gervais replied, adding: “So they paid him that to keep the legacy of The Sopranos pure?” “I guess that and also he had a deal with them,” responded Schirripa.