In the 1990s, the trend of adapting Saturday Night Live sketches into films was rampant, resulting in a mixed bag of success. Amidst this sea of projects, Mike Judge’s Office Space stands out as a cult classic, thanks to its relatable portrayal of corporate tedium that has charmd audiences for decades.
Judge’s inexperience as a live-action director surprisingly worked to his advantage, allowing him more creative freedom to take risks with his project. However, as 20th Century Fox became more involved in the casting process, Judge and his intended stars were forced to get creative to bring the film to life. One notable example is the case of David Herman, a MADtv cast member, who was originally slated to play Michael Bolton but was barred from working on rival productions due to his seven-year contract.
To secure the role, Herman intentionally got himself fired from MADtv by breaking character during a cast reading, allowing Judge to fill the void by giving him a recurring voice role on King of the Hill and the role of Michael Bolton in Office Space. Herman’s unconventional casting ultimately secured him a spot in the film, and his performance as the hapless Michael Bolton is a highlight of the movie. His awkward brand of comedy is a perfect fit for the character, and his work on Office Space has been celebrated as one of the funniest performances in the film.
A Still From Office Space (Photo: Office Space)
The casting of Ron Livingston and Jennifer Aniston also played a significant role in the film’s success. Livingston’s successful audition convinced Judge that he was the right man for the role of Peter Gibbons, while Aniston’s involvement in the film helped establish her as more than just a sitcom star. Her performance in Office Space marked a departure from her work on Friends, and her successful transition to film roles in the following decade.
Despite not being a massive financial hit when it was initially released, Office Space has developed a significant cult following over the years. Its unique blend of humor, relatable portrayal of corporate life, and memorable characters have all contributed to its enduring popularity. It’s easy to see why David Herman was willing to go to great lengths to ensure he was available to take on Office Space, given its legacy in today’s world.
