Jon Hamm made a name for himself with the more dramatic role of Don Draper in AMC’s Mad Men. However, earlier in his career, Hamm tried his hand at landing some comedic roles. Years later, Hamm has established himself as one of the best actors in Hollywood. However, Hamm is still not over losing one particular comedic role to actor Adam Scott.
Hamm discussed losing out on the role with Dax Shepard on the latter’s podcast. Incidentally, Shepard was also up for the same role in the very same film. Hamm and Shepard were among those who auditioned for a role in the classic comedy Step Brothers but Madame Web star Adam Scott landed the part. Here is how Hamm and Shepard recalled their failed auditions for the film.
Jon Hamm Discusses Losing Step Brothers Role to Madame Web Star Adam Scott
Jon Hamm recently sat down for a conversation with Dax Shepard on the latter’s Armchair Expert podcast. Although Hamm and Shepard have carved a name for themselves with their acting skills, the duo looked back on some of their failed auditions during the conversation. On the podcast, Hamm revealed that he had auditioned for the role of bratty younger brother Derek in the 2008 comedy film Step Brothers.
Directed by Adam McKay, the film stars Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly in the lead roles. Adam Scott played the role of Derek in the film but Hamm was also in contention for the same part. Hamm recalled that while he was auditioning for the role, he was in the waiting room with Scott and could overhear Rob Riggle’s audition.
“I could hear Riggle going full Riggle in the room. I’m literally like, He’s gonna break through the wall like he’s the Kool-Aid Man, he’s such a big choice guy. I’m like, I gotta go 180 from that. I just whispered it, and I did not get that part.”
Hamm stated that he tried to perform the part with a softer approach to that of Riggle but neither of them got the part. However, Riggle was cast as Randy, the best friend of Derek, in the film. The role of Derek Huff went to Adam Scott, who certainly impressed viewers with his comedic chops.
Dax Shepard Was Also In Contention For the Same Role in Step Brothers
During the same podcast episode, Dax Shepard revealed that he too auditioned for the role of Derek Huff in Step Brothers. Furthermore, Shepard stated that it was one of the few times in his career when got mad about being passed up for a certain role.
Shepard stated the following about losing the role to Adam Scott:
“A bunch of times I’ve been like, It’s probably not gonna be that good a movie, and then it wasn’t. (Step Brothers) was one that was really good; I wish I was in it.”
Shepard also said that when he lost the role to Scott the two did not know each other. However, over the years, Shepard and Scott have become friends and Shepard also praised Scott’s performance as Derek in the movie.
“So he got that and I was resentful, and then I saw it and was like, Oh yeah, he’s done it much better than I could have and he deserves it.”
Shepard made the about statement recalling how he was initially resentful about losing the role to Scott. Shepard also shared that he felt similarly resentful after losing the lead role in 2008’s Wanted to James McAvoy. However, after watching McAvoy’s performance in The Last King of Scotland, he was convinced that McAvoy was a much better actor than him.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard can be heard on iTunes.
