The Office without Michael Scott? It may sound like a cruel joke but it will be a reality come this may. Steve Carell, who plays the “got to love him” boss Michael Scott on the Emmy winning show, may not be part of the Dunder Mifflin family for much longer.
According to an article on Huffington Post Carell’s contract is up at the end of this season and he has decided not to come back.
The Office without Michael Scott?
"I want to fulfill my contract. When I first signed on I had a contract for seven seasons, and this coming year is my seventh. I just thought it was time for my character to go,” Carell told E news.
Don’t go pulling out tissues quite yet. There is no word of The Office being cancelled. Although many die hard Michael Scott fans may see The Office dying with his departure, Carell along with many others have the confidence that the show will continue without him.
The Washington Post reported that NBC, which carries the show, already has a plan for when Carell departs. That plan, however, has not been shared yet. The article also explained that The Office is set up as an ensemble show, so characters can come and go and the show can continue to carry on.
The Washington Post also set up three potentially strong scenarios that could continue the show. The first situation has Jim as boss. Since he and Pam can play off of the married couple with kid working together aspect, it could bring in a fresh face of comedy to the show.
Dwight Schrute could also take over the lead role, as could Gabe Lewis, a new addition to The Office Ensemble. Of course, NBC could have another idea in mind that no one has though of yet. Washington Post is not the only ones thinking that Dwight could rise to the top.
Will Rainn Wilson Rise Up in Carell's Absence?
CNN reported that Dwight Schrute, played by Rainn Wilson, is at the top of the list. Mindy Kaling, who is a co executive producer/costar for the show, wants to see Wilson assume that role. She added, however, that it is not her decision and those who hold the power will make the final call.
In any case it looks like Steve Carell was not making a threat to get a higher salary, but actually looking to leave the show and move on. Instead of spending the next year mourning the lost of Michael Scott, enjoy the last season and look forward to what may come afterwards.
- 'Office' producer wants Dwight to succeed Michael as boss." CNN 9 July 2010: Web. 9 July2010.
- Chaney, Jen. "Can 'The Office' go on without Steve Carell?" The Washington Post 29 June 2010: Web. 9 July 2010.
- "Steve Carell Leaving 'The Office': CONFIRMED." The Huffington Post 28 June 2010: Web. 9, July 2010.
Nicole Dales - Journalism is my passion. I have been writing for the last 5 years. I wrote for my high school paper for three years and I had an ...
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