John Krasinski, known for his beloved role as Jim Halpert in The Office, has officially passed the comedic legacy to Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson. Gleeson, 42, is set to lead the upcoming spinoff The Paper, and received a simple but enthusiastic endorsement from Krasinski: “Do it.”
This advice, shared during Gleeson’s appearance at the Fountain of Youth premiere on May 19, highlights Krasinski’s confidence in the project. Gleeson also revealed that Steve Carell echoed the sentiment, pointing to the creative leadership of Greg Daniels, who developed both The Office and The Paper.
Krasinski and Carell’s Support Helped Domhnall Gleeson Embrace The Office Spinoff Role
Both Krasinski and Carell’s encouragement played a major role in Gleeson’s decision to join the spinoff. Carell, who starred as Michael Scott in The Office, had previously worked with Gleeson on The Patient and reassured him about the joys of working with Greg Daniels.
“If John and Steve had said, ‘Don’t do it, it’s a nightmare,’ I would’ve hightailed it,” Gleeson admitted. Instead, their glowing praise affirmed his decision, making him “thrilled” to be part of something he describes as “really lovely.”
NBC recently announced that The Paper will premiere this September on Peacock and shared an early preview of the mockumentary-style comedy. The series centers on the eccentric staff of a struggling Midwestern newspaper called The Truth Teller.
Domhnall Gleeson takes the lead as Ned, joined by Sabrina Impacciatore as Esmerelda and The Office alum Oscar Nuñez, who returns as Oscar Martinez. Speaking at NBC’s Upfront presentation, Gleeson described the cast as “underdog characters” working together to keep journalism alive in a fast-evolving media world.
Returning Favorites and Fresh Faces Drive The Office Spinoff’s Bold New Chapter
Oscar Nuñez shared his excitement about rejoining the Office universe, humorously noting how his request for a more bustling setting for Oscar led to the character’s relocation to Toledo, Ohio. This new backdrop allows familiar faces to evolve while making room for new comedic energy.
Nuñez’s return alongside a diverse and talented cast — including Chelsea Frei, Melvin Gregg, Ramona Young, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Alex Edelman, and Tim Key — promises a dynamic blend of continuity and freshness.
With Greg Daniels at the helm and the blessing of The Office alumni, The Paper is shaping up to be a worthy successor. Gleeson’s portrayal of Ned — a character with a determined optimism to restore the paper’s former glory — sets a hopeful tone for the series.
As anticipation builds for the September premiere, fans of The Office and newcomers alike can look forward to another dose of heartfelt humor, workplace antics, and documentary-style storytelling with a modern twist.
