John Krasinski Dusts Off Old 'The Office' Joke To Promote New Movie With Ryan Reynolds

By Andrew Sanford | Film | February 5, 2024 |

By Andrew Sanford | Film | February 5, 2024 |

The Office has many classic bits. The show lasted ten seasons, featured a cast of talented comedic actors, and had a murderer’s row of a writing staff. Even with so much goodness, some moments rise to the top more than others (and most people’s favorite moments will be different). One of my favorites debuted twelve years ago (crumbles into dust) and involved a then (relatively) unknown Randall Park pretending to be Jim to fool Dwight.

It works so well because it’s funny (obviously) but also because everyone involved commits so hard. I think it’s one of Rain Wilson’s best performances in the show’s nine seasons (and he has plenty of great ones already). His confusion and shock feel believable and make the whole sequence sing. It’s the best prank Jim plays on Dwight and one of the best scenes in the show (I think). So, imagine my delighted shock that John Krasinski brought it out to promote his new movie.

Krasinki wrote, directed, and stars in a new movie featuring Ryan Reynolds called IF. Reynolds sat down for a preview of their Super Bowl commercial for the film and is joined by Randall Park pretending to be John Krasinski. Again, two things make this work so well. Reynolds plays the Dwight role, expressing his confusion like one of the best straight men in the business. It made me long for a time when Reynolds was reacting to quips more than delivering them.

The joke also works because of its commitment. Park cuts to behind-the-scenes footage that shows him clearly in the Krasinski writer/director role. It looks like they shot some inserts with a Reynolds stand-in, but it still feels seamless. I’m curious whether they brought Randall in for the last couple of days of shooting or had him pop in throughout, knowing that one day, they would use the footage for a joke. I hope it’s the latter, but it worked either way.

Also, to be fair, this made me excited for IF! Before, I had more of a tepid indifference. Seeing the bits from the trailer, with Steve Carell lending his voice to a big, purple monster, it seems like it could be really fun. If this promo is any indication as to the kind of comedy they’ll be shooting for, my hopes are pretty high.