Domhnall Gleeson is stepping into new comedic territory with The Paper, a fresh mockumentary series from The Office creator Greg Daniels. The show had already sparked comparisons to its iconic predecessor. Gleeson, however, is approaching the role with his own spin, and with some words of wisdom from familiar faces.
While The Paper carries the DNA of The Office, it’s far from a reboot. Instead, it promises something entirely new. Despite the connection, Gleeson urges fans not to expect a reboot of the iconic NBC sitcom. In the spirit of Steve Carell, who refused to imitate Ricky Gervais’ David Brent when The Office was adapted for an American audience, Gleeson is now taking a similar path.
Domhnall Gleeson set the record straight, not to follow Michael Scott from The Office
While the idea of continuing The Office legacy might seem daunting, Domhnall Gleeson is doing it on his own terms. Back in 2005, Steve Carell chose not to follow or mimic Ricky Gervais’ equally awkward David Brent from the original UK version. He created Michael Scott, uniquely American.
Two Decades later, Gleeson is facing a similar fork in the road. In a recent interview with People, the actor made it clear, he’s not trying to be the next Michael Scott. “I don’t think my characters like Michael Scott at all,” Gleeson told People,
I think if you’re trying to compete with what Steve did or with what Ricky Gervais did, I think it would be a massive mistake.
Though comparisons to The Office are inevitable, Gleeson emphasized that The Paper is not a remake or continuation of the original series, which ran from 2005 to 2013. Instead, the new show offers a fresh perspective, with the same humor and ensemble-driven storytelling.
They are geniuses who are incredible in loads of different ways. We made a whole new character. And it’s a whole new sort of setup, but I hope people will find a reason to love him as well, just in a different way than they did the guys before.
Gleeson plays Ned, an employee at a failing local newspaper in the Midwest. The show centers around a local publisher’s attempt to keep the print business alive in a digital world. Created by The Office showrunner Greg Daniels and Michael Koman, The Paper mirrors its predecessor’s mockumentary format while carving out a distinct identity.
Domhnall Gleeson reached out to The Office stars for advice
Though the connection to The Office is obvious, Gleeson is focused on telling a new story with a new ensemble. Still, he did reach out to some old alums, Steve Carell and John Krasinski, for advice before taking on the project. He recently told Collider,
I got to talk to each of them. I think it’s just about soaking up their vibes. They are both very selfless actors. And I think that’s necessary in work like this. I think it has to be about the ensemble.
Krasinski, who also co-starred with Gleeson in Fountain of Youth, offered one simple piece of advice. “His big advice that he gave me was to do it,” Gleeson said to People.
Carell won’t be appearing in The Paper, but he’s voiced his support for Gleeson and the creative team. The cast also includes The White Lotus standout Sabrina Impacciatore and returning The Office alum Oscar Nuñez, who reprises his role as Oscar Martinez.
For Gleeson, The Paper offers something completely different, a chance to bring hope and humor to a new kind of workplace story. And while comparisons may be inevitable, he’s not concerned. Like Carell before him, he’s not following anyone’s lead, and that might be exactly why The Paper has a real shot at standing on its own.
The Paper will premiere in September 2025 on Peacock.
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