In an unexpected emotional turn during the reunion for their new film "IF", John Krasinski was moved to tears by his former co-star Steve Carell, revealing the depth of their bond years after their time on "The Office." The actors, who had become household names during their seven-season run on the popular NBC sitcom, hadn't shared the screen space since Carell's exit from the show.
“I thought I would have the best time ever, and I did,” Krasinski shared with People Magazine. “But the first thing he did was make me cry, which sounds sad but it was amazing”. Carell’s words of encouragement echoed the supportive nature of a true mentor: "I knew you'd go on to be a writer-director,” he told Krasinski.
“I'm so proud of you and keep going, and I've watched everything and [I'm] cheering you on from the sidelines."
Crafted for Carell
Krasinski, who not only stars in but also wrote and directed "IF", admitted he originally crafted the part with Carell in mind, uncertain if his former onscreen boss could commit.
“For him to sign on was a huge boost," Krasinski remarked, highlighting how Carell's participation felt like a familial stamp of approval. Where their careers went after "The Office" is quite the contrast. Carell has appeared in darker roles as an abusive coach in the Oscar-nominated film "Foxcatcher" and a therapist held hostage by a serial killer in FX on Hulu's "The Patient".
Meanwhile, Krasinski has been staking out new territory for himself in horror with the film "A Quiet Place," and its sequel, while even further expanding the universe with a prequel coming out on June 28. "IF" also boasts an ensemble cast including Ryan Reynolds, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and the voices of Matt Damon, Bradley Cooper, George Clooney, alongside Krasinski’s wife, Emily Blunt.
As Krasinski and Carell continue to forge their paths post-Scranton, the upcoming revival of "The Office" looms on the horizon. “I will be watching but I will not be showing up," Carell told The Hollywood Reporter, his excitement palpable yet tempered with the reality of moving forward.
This reunion on the set of "IF" not only marks a significant moment for Krasinski and Carell but also serves as a testament to the enduring impacts of their shared past, forever influencing their futures.