Report: James Spader in Talks to Return to 'The Office'

By Tracey Harrington McCoy Posted Jun 24th 2011 08:30PM

James Spader, new boss of Dunder Mifflin? Maybe, according to Entertainment Weekly.

The 'Boston Legal' star is reportedly in talks to join 'The Office,' but not as Scranton branch manager -- as the Dunder Mifflin/Sabre CEO. 'Harry's Law' actress Kathy Bates currently plays the paper and printer company honcho, but won't be able to reprise her 'Office' role and star on 'Harry's Law' at the same time.

"In the finale, he kicked ass," a source close to the show told EW. "He was so funny and had this weird energy. We didn't want to pass it up."

While no scripts have been written for 'The Office' Season 8 and Spader has yet to sign a deal, the likely scenario according to EW is this: Spader's character is hired as branch manager, but quickly decides the job is too small for him. He then convinces corporate to give him the CEO gig. That would leave the branch manager position open for either an internal or external hire ... and we're back to square one.

Bates guest starred in a handful of episodes, but Spader would appear on more regular basis.

'Doctor Who' veteran Catherine Tate emerged as the front-runner for the job, according to reports following her Season 7 finale appearance, but she's doing a play in London until September. The Spader scenario could feasibly give her enough time to wrap the stage production and then join 'The Office' as the branch manager.

Watch James Spader and Catherine Tate's 'Office' episode below.

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Comments

(14)

Friday 24 June

By Francesca

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I love James Spader, he is a great actor. I never missed any of the Boston Legal shows. I have never watched The Office.

By the_fool

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I will NOT watch if he is in the show.

Saturday 25 June

By Mike G

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Dear Fool, Did you see Spader on the finale? He was really funny and had a great persona. He was by far the best character to choose from.

By papaknuck1942

I don't watch the office...but Spader brings a lot of clout to anything he's involved in.

By papabuaybuay

I could never stand the office before, whoever said that that steve whats his name was ever funny needs to get a CLUE!!!! Now with James Spader it may be worth watching.

By dmcg2008

James Spader is one of my favorite actors, because he's quirky. He'd be a great addition to The Office.

By Tina

I was really hoping they would have Kathy Bates on full-time--make her branch manager. She is such a strong character and adds so much to the show. Sounds like she will not even be on it once in a awhile--too bad. She will be missed.

By Louise

I loved Spader in the finale and am really psyched he is going to join the show full time!

By laura

James Spader is an amazing underrated actor. He has always been terrific in all his roles, starting with the pompous best friend he played in Pretty in Pink. Love him.

By linnsue47

My husband and I never watched The Office but if Spader is going to be on it, now we'll never miss it. The man is so dry and funny at the same time and we think he's great, so count us in. We missed him so much when Boston Legal went off ..... we will be thrilled to see him again, no doubt !!!!! Now if they could only find a part for Shattner to be in it too. What a great team THEY made.

By joanmarie1640

Loved Spader in the season finale! Happy to hear this news. Did NOT care for Tate in the finale at all. Hope she won't be added to the cast.

By wsieman

I like his talent.

Spader was fabulous in the "interview shows." His persona was the most interesting and funny.

Sunday 26 June

By KS.

Oh I so agree Mike. James is a fine actor, nice to look at, and seems like a really cool guy. He was awsome in "Pretty in Pink", back in the day. Not a fan of the Office, but love him.

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