The Office, both its original UK version and the popular US adaptation featuring Steve Carell, continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest sitcoms ever made. Even after more than a decade since its final episode, the show has gained even more popularity through streaming platforms like Peacock, with special “superfan” edits of certain episodes available. Fans can anticipate the return of this beloved series in 2025 with the spinoff, The Paper, starring Domhnall Gleeson. Despite concerns about comparisons to Michael Scott, Gleeson feels that such comparisons are futile.
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What Did Domhnall Gleeson Say About Fans Comparing His The Office Spinoff Character To Michael Scott?
The forthcoming series, set to premiere on Peacock on September 18, shares the same universe as “The Office” and is co-created by Greg Daniels, who was involved in the 2005 U.S. adaptation of the sitcom. However, unlike other shows that feature characters working at Dunder-Mifflin or similar paper companies, “The Paper” focuses on employees at a struggling newspaper in Toledo, Ohio.
Actor Domhnall Gleeson, known for his role in “About Time”, recently spoke to People about the upcoming series, and pointed out that although viewers have been drawing parallels between his character Ned Sampson and both Michael Scott from “The Office” (advocated by Steve Carell for a spinoff) and David Brent portrayed by Ricky Gervais, he believes such comparisons aren’t entirely accurate. In his own words:
I believe my character is distinct from Michael Scott or Steve or Ricky Gervais. If you aim to compare it with their work, I strongly advise against it. They are remarkable individuals with unique talents that shine in various aspects. Instead, we have created an entirely new character. Although the setup is different, I hope viewers will find reasons to appreciate him, albeit in a way unlike their previous favorites.
Despite it being easy to imagine Ned being either endearingly clumsy like Michael or a melancholic people-pleaser similar to David, The Paper should strive to present something fresh and unique as much as possible in order to stand out. If not, why would the documentary team who chronicled Jim, Pam, Michael, Dwight, and others at Dunder Mifflin Scranton opt to focus on those from The Truth Teller?
It’s worth mentioning that although Gleeson has an impressive repertoire of performances, he doesn’t share the same acting style as Carell or Gervais. He’s set to introduce a fresh character on television, having demonstrated versatility by taking on various roles, such as playing a kidnapping serial killer alongside Carell in “The Patient” in 2022. Rest assured, his show premiere will undoubtedly offer something unique yet still filled with humor and endearment.
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2025-06-11 07:07