Entertainment

James Spader Joins ‘The Office’

Alyssa Moody Contributor
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Jim, Pam, Dwight, and the rest of Dunder Mifflin are getting a new CEO this season.  NBC announced Wednesday that actor James Spader will join the cast of “The Office,” replacing Kathy Bates as the CEO of the fictional paper company.

Spader was one of several high-profile stars to make an appearance during Steve Carrell’s farewell episode last season. His brief stint impressed the writers so much they decided to cast him as a series regular.

“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 executive producer Paul 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.”

Spader, 51, is no stranger to the small screen. The actor won three Emmy awards for his portrayal of a brilliant but immoral attorney in “Boston Legal.”  He is best known for his work in “Boston Legal” and “Private Practice.”

NBC has yet to announce who will take Carrell’s spot as the boss of Dunder Mifflin, but several prominent actors are reportedly vying for the role. Will Arnett, Ricky Gervais, and Ray Romano are among the actors rumored to be in contention for the part.

The eighth season of “The Office” premieres on September 23.