James Spader to be new boss of ‘The Office’?

With Steve Carrell gone, NBC has been teasing fans of ‘The Office’ about who’ll take his place for over six months, and it seems we now have the answer – James Spader.

Rumors of James’ increased involvement have been swirling for weeks but the 51-year old triple Emmy winner is now reported to be in advanced talks to join the show full-time for the new season next Fall.

“In the finale, he kicked ass,” says a source close to the show. “He was so funny and had this weird energy. We didn’t want to pass it up.”

The ultimate plan is for Jim to take over Kathy Bates’ role, but he’d appear every week whereas Kathy was little more than a guest star. The deal is not signed yet so nothing is final but season eight begins filming next month and he should be there in show one.

James will play ‘Robert California’ who gets hired as the boss, then tries to persuade Dunder’s head office to make him the new CEO. Sources say ‘Robert’ will also boast ‘a strong manipulative power and a somewhat creepy sexual vibe.’

As for who would then become the new boss, insiders aren’t sure. British comedian Catherine Tate was one rumor and Will Ferrell guested during May sweeps-week, but he was widely disliked by the fans. The show’s creator, Ricky Gervais wanted Will Arnett, but he’d already signed to do ‘Up All Night.’

Creed Bratton was also seen warming the manager’s chair at the end of last season but that’s not seen as a long term position.

So is James the right man to save Dunder or should Will Ferrell return – let’s hear from you…

Source: EW

Photo: Kiki