Domhnall Gleeson has shared insights about his forthcoming role in the highly anticipated spinoff of The Office, titled The Paper, revealing that both John Krasinski and Steve Carell encouraged him to take on the project. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE during the premiere of Fountain of Youth on May 19, Gleeson expressed his excitement for the series, stating, “I’m so happy I did it because I think we have something really lovely.”
Gleeson, who plays the character Ned in The Paper, described the advice he received from Krasinski, saying, “He was wonderful. His big advice was to do it.” He echoed this sentiment regarding Carell, who also had positive experiences working on The Office and assured Gleeson of the merits of joining the team, led by Greg Daniels, the visionary behind both series. “If it’s Greg Daniels, you should do it because getting to work with him is a treat that not many people get to have,” Gleeson remarked.
Carell previously confirmed that he spoke with Gleeson about the role. “I know Domhnall Gleeson — who I did The Patient with — is going to be one of the leads. I said, ‘Of course,’ and he’s great,” Carell noted on an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Set to premiere in September on Peacock, The Paper will feature a mockumentary format centered around the staff of a struggling Midwestern newspaper called The Truth Teller. Gleeson described his character’s unshakeable optimism in revitalizing the publication, while fellow cast member Oscar Nuñez humorously indicated how his character’s storyline adapted to his suggestions about location.
The ensemble cast of The Paper includes Sabrina Impacciatore, Chelsea Frei, Melvin Gregg, Ramona Young, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Alex Edelman, and Tim Key, promising an exciting and diverse lineup. Gleeson summed it up nicely, saying they are a group of underdog characters banding together to keep journalism alive, a sentiment that resonates in today’s media landscape.
This reunion of The Office alumni in a new setting brings a hopeful outlook, as fans eagerly anticipate the creative direction of the project and the fresh narratives it will bring to the table.