The Office is getting a continuation of sorts, as a sequel series is currently in development at Peacock. However, while the spinoff will be set in the same world, it will be at an entirely different location with an all-new cast of characters.
Called The Paper, the new series is not confirmed to be bringing back any original cast members of The Office at this time, but cameo appearances are not out of the question, given the shared universe. The pool of possible returns is starting to get smaller, as another actor has bowed out following Steve Carell’s previous assertion that he will not appear as Michael Scott. Rashida Jones, who played Jim’s ex-girlfriend Karen, has confirmed to The Playlist that she’s not interested in reprising that role, though she wishes everybody involved well.
“Oh, no. I don’t think I’m randomly showing up, but I’m very much looking forward to it,” Jones explained. “It sounds like a great cast. And Greg Daniels is an absolute comedy beast. He’s so good at casting and creating those worlds. I cannot wait to see what it’s like.”
Steve Carell Is Not Interested, Either
Carell previously told THR about a possible return, “I will be watching, but I will not be showing up. 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.”
Another star from the series has given a more optimistic response about a possible cameo. Rainn Wilson, who is known for playing Dwight Schrute, has hinted that he’s open to coming back if he’s given the call, though he wasn’t sure if that was ever going to happen, given the change in locations. Wilson even admitted to feeling a bit saddened that the new show would leave Scranton behind.
“Yeah, I don’t see how Dwight goes from Scranton to wherever they’re shooting it in the Midwest,” Wilson told CinemaBlend. “But, you know, if Greg [Daniels] wants me to do something, I’m happy to do something. But, I am sad that they’re leaving Scranton. I understand that, why they’re leaving Scranton, but I kind of feel like there should be like seven different office spinoffs kind of like Law & Order.”
He added, “With Greg Daniels at the helm, he’s always gonna be looking out for the best interest at this point. So if he had an idea [for a cameo], I mean, I don’t think many of us could go back to his regulars at this point. But, top op in, make sure the office is running right. That might happen. I don’t know.”
The Paper doesn’t yet have a premiere date.
