New releases, music videos and album news — indie, rap, rock and pop. Always covering Ren, Chris Webby, Sam Tompkins, bbno$, CHINCHILLA, Muse, Yungblud and more.
Paul Rudd almost robbed Steve Carell of his big break in 2005: “Don’t do it, man”
Steve Carell has recalled that Paul Rudd was initially considered for the lead role in the 2005 comedy *The 40-Year-Old Virgin*, before Carell ultimately secured the part that helped establish him as a major film star. The role became pivotal to Carell’s career, arriving shortly before *The Office* made him widely known on television and turning him into a leading comic actor in Hollywood.
Carell co-wrote the film with director Judd Apatow, developing it from a sketch he had performed. Rudd, who was already better known at the time, reportedly advised Carell to take the opportunity, telling him: “Don’t do it, man” in a jokingly discouraging way; Carell later interpreted the comment as Rudd recognising the part was right for him. The film was a commercial and critical success, grossing about $177 million worldwide from a budget of roughly $26 million.
In short
- Carell nearly lost *The 40-Year-Old Virgin* role to Paul Rudd.
- The film became a defining breakthrough for Carell.
- It earned about $177 million worldwide.
Explained simply
The 40-Year-Old Virgin is a 2005 comedy about a middle-aged man who has never had sex. Steve Carell co-wrote it with director Judd Apatow, building on a sketch Carell had performed, and played the lead character.
Before the film, Carell was known mainly for comedy roles, while Paul Rudd was already more established. The lead role helped make Carell a major film star, shortly before the US version of The Office brought him wider television fame.
The film was a commercial and critical success, earning about $177 million worldwide on a budget of roughly $26 million. Its success helped establish Carell as a leading comic actor in Hollywood.