Screen Junkies » james spader

UPDATED: James Spader To Join ‘The Office’ But In A Different Role

Penn Collins — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:55:39 +0000

UPDATE: James Spader has officially been announced as the new CEO of Sabre on The Office. Prepare for even more uncomfortable stares on the NBC sitcom.

It looks like Robert California, James Spader‘s creepy, cosmic applicant, will be joining Dunder Mifflin, but not as Regional Manager, the position left open by Michael Scott‘s departure. Rather, Mr. California (awesome, btw) will be replacing Kathy Bates‘ character as CEO of Sabre. Unlike Bates’ character, Spader would be a regular on the show, micromanaging the hell out of that Scranton branch.

EW reveals from a source that producers loved Spader’s weird energy during his “interview” last season and are eager to work it into the show going forward. However, with Spader sitting atop the firm, the question remains: Who will run the Scranton branch? Right now the odds-on favorite is female Brit comic Catherine Tate, though her participation next season hasn’t been confirmed. As of now, geriatric weirdo Creed Bratton is in the hot seat due to seniority.

Frankly, I like the one-two punch of Creed and California. Take all your loyal viewers, NBC, and just creep the hell out of ‘em till they don’t know what’s what.

Warren Buffett Brings His Considerable Acting Chops To ‘Office’ Finale

Geoffrey Golden — Tue, 10 May 2011 04:38:26 +0000

There’s a reason to keep watching “The Office,” even though Steve Carrell is gone, and that reason is… somewhat interesting celebrities. So, now all the producers have to do is load every episode next season with 6-7 celebrities and they’ll be good to go.

Billionaire tycoon Warren Buffett joins the never-ending famous person parade that is”The Office” season finale. Other celebrities making a cameo-or-greater on the episode include Jim Carrey, Ray Romano, Catherine Tate, Will Arnett, James Spader and Ricky Gervais. They’re all interviewing for the coveted position of Scranton branch manager for the paper company Dunder Mifflin. This just goes to show you, if you work hard enough, and become famous enough, you too can interview to become the head of the small Pennsylvania off-shoot of a poorly managed paper company.

The almost-an-hour-long “Office” season finale airs May 20th. (Variety)

Subtle Humorist Jim Carrey Guest Stars On ‘The Office’

Geoffrey Golden — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:32:38 +0000

“The Office” is supposed to be a comedy about the things people actually do at work. Jim Carrey‘s next movie is about a man who plays host to a bunch of penguins in a New York City apartment. The comedic sensibilities are a perfect match.

Carrey will guest star on an upcoming episode of”The Office.” In the episode, Carrey interviews for the position Steve Carrell‘s Michael Scott leaves. Is a resume with experience like “Pet Detective,” “Mask-Based Superhero” and “Christmas Present Relocation Manager” gonna land him the job as manager of a paper company? Probably not. Carrey will also have stiff competition in the episode from Ricky Gervais, Ray Romano, Catherine Tate, Will Arnett and James Spader. Sounds like this episode could use a few more celebrities. Is James Franco available?

Meanwhile, that begs the question: what’s gonna happen to Will Ferrell‘s character Deangelo Vickers (great name), who’s currently in charge? It’s a bigger office mystery than who takes more than 3 slices of pizza on Pizza Fridays, though many suspect it’s Jason. (EW)

‘The Office’ Headhunters Add Spader, Romano, And Brit Catherine Tate To The Shortlist

Penn Collins — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 23:25:36 +0000

Lots of big names are willing to relocate to Dunder-Mifflin’s Scranton branch. They must have an excellent dental plan or something. Today it was announced that three new candidates will appear on the show as possible successors to Steve Carell‘s Michael Scott in the season finale of”The Office” on May 19. In addition to the previously-mentioned Ricky Gervais and Will Arnett, we will also get graced with the presences of Ray Romano, James Spader, and British comedienne Catherine Tate.

I like the way the producers have set this up, so the actual candidates are competing on the show as they are certainly competing in real life. It brings a bit of an organic reality show component to a show that, everyone agrees, was due for some inspiration. I think Steve Carell’s departure (and ____’s arrival) has helped the show find its heart again, and bring it back to its relevance of earlier years.

That said, I think Spader and Romano really stand out here. Arnett would stick out like a sore thumb in the dry Dunder-Mifflin environment. He seems to flourish in the more outlandish”30 Rock” or”Arrested Development” ensembles. Ricky Gervais just won’t do it. Frankly, I think it’s a little silly that he’s even involved. Catherine Tate I don’t know, so I will reserve judgment. Spader and Romano both make me uncomfortable without much effort, so I see them fitting in pretty well. Also, it would be pretty nice to see Romano in a comedy role that didn’t make me hate him, as he was once a pretty funny dude. (TV Line)