Spader Replacing Carell on “The Office”

The big question left hanging by "The Office" season finale a few weeks back was, of course, who would replace Steve Carell's Michael Scott as manager? 

Well, it's now official. James Spader is the man. Series producer Paul Lieberstein has confirmed the news to Entertainment Weekly.

"James will reprise his role as Robert California, this uber-salesman that has a power to convince and manipulate, like a high-class weirdo Jedi warrior,” said Lieberstein. “He’ll have been hired over the summer as the new manager, but within hours, got himself promoted. Within days, he took over the company. James has an energy that is completely his own, and The Office has no tools for dealing with this guy. We’re thrilled he’s joining our cast.”

A parade of guest stars tantalized fans with possibilities at the end of the season, but now it seems like the chair is finally going to be filled. But, yes - as Lieberstein indicates - it'll be filled only briefly.

Spader - the best on-screen d-bag of all time, bar none - will occupy Scott's desk for a short time before getting a promotion. He'll then take over for Kathy Bates ("Harry's Law" was re-upped, folks) as Dunder-Miflin's CEO.

Cue the managerial musical chairs once again.

While this seems like a cruel tease for fans, we have to admit it'll make things interesting next season. And, again, Spader is Spader and we will watch him in anything. But casting him as a ruthless ladder climber named ROBERT CALIFORNIA? You make this too easy, "The Office."

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