Who will replace Michael Scott? This question has been lingering around The Office since the announcement of Steve Carell’s imminent departure.

For all intents and purposes, the answer may have already come with the announcement that Will Arnett and Ricky Gervais will be guest starring in The Office season 7 one-hour finale. As the door closes on Steve Carell’s tenure on The Office, NBC has lined up a bevy of guest stars to help close out the series’ seventh season.While it is speculative to assume Arnett’s involvement is anything more than a simple guest spot, the addition of the The Office creator, Ricky Gervais, does lend credence to the notion that everyone's favorite Arrested Development star has landed the gig.

Though Gervais briefly reprised his role of Wernham Hogg Paper Company manager David Brent this season, Gervais’ cameo was seen primarily as a parting nod to Carell. However, now that Brent will be back much sooner than anyone expected, it seems only natural that he would be on hand to help usher in the successor to the throne, as it were.

Additionally, Gervais was vocal in his support of Arnett as the new manager of The Office stating, “Had a little meeting with NBC about various things, and recommended Will Arnett for a regular in The Office…I think he’s amazing.”

 

Arnett not only has the chutzpa to fill the shoes of Steve Carell, but the comedic chops to back it up - as made evident by his star-making role as George Oscar "Gob" Bluth, Jr. in Arrested Development. Since then, the actor has been in several films like Blades of Glory and Semi-Pro, and even brought his voice talents to animated films Monsters vs. Aliens and last year’s surprise hit Despicable Me, a film which also starred Carell. Of course, Arnett was also part of the failed Fox sitcom Running Wilde, but we'll just pretend that never happened.

Will Arnett as Gob Blut on Arrested Development

When he’s not taking roles in Will Ferrell movies, or being animated, Arnett can be see hovering around other NBC comedies with guest roles on Parks and Recreation and 30 Rock. The frequency with which he appears should have most Thursday night viewers familiar with the actor's brand of comedy, so giving him a permanent gig on an already established show could be the bet that pays both the network and Arnett serious dividends.

Because the script for The Office season 7 finale is technically still under construction, there’s no official word on what role Arnett will play, or what has brought David Brent to Scranton, PA. Viewers will have to wait for The Office season 7 season finale on May 19 to find out.

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The Office will be back from its month-long hiatus March 24 @9pm, on NBC.

Source: Entertainment Weekly