Steve Carell recently shared an interesting tidbit about Domhnall Gleeson, who is set to star in the upcoming spinoff of “The Office.” During an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Carell revealed that Gleeson reached out to him for advice before committing to the new project.
Carell, who famously portrayed Michael Scott in the original NBC workplace comedy, spoke highly of Gleeson. “I know Domhnall Gleeson, who I did ‘The Patient’ with, is going to be one of the leads. I know that for sure,” Carell told Fallon. “He’s an excellent actor.” He added that Gleeson had called him to ask, “Should I do this? Did you enjoy it?” Carell’s response was enthusiastic, encouraging Gleeson to take on the role.
The conversation took place as Fallon brought up the topic of “The Office” spinoff, asking Carell if he was aware of the new series in development. Carell humorously responded, “Yeah, and I don’t know if you know this — it’s gonna be all the original cast. I’m in it!” He quickly clarified that he was joking, adding, “Don’t get people excited.”
The original “The Office,” an American adaptation of the British show created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, featured Carell as Michael Scott, the bumbling regional manager of the Dunder Mifflin paper company. Carell played the role for seven seasons before returning for the series finale in Season 9.
Peacock has picked up the new comedy set in “The Office” universe, which will star Gleeson and Sabrina Impacciatore from “The White Lotus” Season 2. Production is slated to begin in July. The new series, co-created by Greg Daniels and Michael Koman, will follow a documentary crew that previously filmed Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch as they discover a dying historic Midwestern newspaper and its publisher, who is trying to revive it with volunteer reporters.
Carell, who has been vocal about not reprising his role as Michael Scott, reiterated his stance. “I will be watching but I will not be showing up,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s just a new thing and there’s really no reason for my character to show up in something like that. But I’m excited about it, it sounds like a great concept. I love the idea — I guess it’s set in a failing newspaper company.”
Gleeson, who has worked with Carell before in FX’s 2022 limited series “The Patient,” seems to have taken Carell’s advice to heart. The new series is not a reboot but rather a fresh mockumentary set in the same universe as “The Office.” Daniels, who developed the American version of “The Office,” is co-creating the new series with Koman.
The official logline from Peacock describes the show as follows: “The documentary crew that immortalized Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch is in search of a new subject when they discover a dying historic Midwestern newspaper and the publisher trying to revive it with volunteer reporters.”
While Carell won’t be part of the new series, his endorsement of Gleeson adds a layer of excitement for fans. The original “The Office” aired from 2005 to 2013 and starred Carell, John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson, and Jenna Fischer, among others. The show has maintained its popularity, finding new audiences on streaming platforms like Peacock.
John Krasinski, who played Jim Halpert, has also expressed his willingness to participate in any project led by Greg Daniels. “The truth is I’d do anything Greg Daniels asked me to do,” Krasinski told People.
As production gears up, fans are eagerly awaiting more details about the new series. With Gleeson and Impacciatore leading the cast, and the creative team of Daniels and Koman at the helm, the new show promises to bring a fresh yet familiar comedic experience to viewers.
Carell’s endorsement of Gleeson and his excitement for the new series underscore the enduring legacy of “The Office.” While he won’t be reprising his role, his influence and connection to the new project add a layer of authenticity and anticipation for what’s to come.
