Domhnall Gleeson Dismisses Office Spinoff Comparison as ‘Massive Blunder’
Real talk: Domhnall Gleeson isn’t here for endless Office throwbacks. The Irish actor, tapped to headline NBC’s upcoming workplace comedy spinoff, put industry chatter on blast this week, calling any side-by-side with the original a “massive mistake.” In an Entertainment Weekly interview dated March 1, Gleeson stressed that the new show—tentatively titled The Office: Next Chapter—marches to its own beat and shouldn’t be shoehorned into Scranton’s legacy.
According to Variety’s March 2 report, Gleeson was crystal about his lead role: “This isn’t a reboot or a copy,” he said, pointing out that his character’s dry wit and quirky management style couldn’t live in Michael Scott’s shadow. He added that early feedback from test audiences praised the fresh dynamics of a modern office setting, where remote-first teams and digital water-cooler banter drive the jokes. The actor insists viewers deserve an unfiltered look at today’s work culture, not another round of stapler-in–Jell-pranks redux.
People Magazine also caught up with Gleeson backstage at the Television Critics Association press tour, where he took a playful swipe at critics dragging “Office” comparisons across every headline. “I get it—people love nostalgia—but we’re offering something new,” he quipped. With writers who cut their teeth on shows like Superstore and Parks and Rec, he believes the tone is more workplace satire than awkward-pause marathon. And yes, he’s fine with calling Michael Scott a legend—but only one time.
Industry insiders say NBC is banking on that distinction. A source close to the network told Variety that streaming data from Peacock’s pilot release indicates a strong uptick among younger viewers who “aren’t haunted by Steve Carell flashbacks,” suggesting Gleeson’s spin on desk life is resonating. Social media has trended under #NextChapterOffice as speculation mounts over cameo appearances by original cast members—another angle Gleeson coyly declined to confirm or deny.
At the end of the day, Gleeson’s prerogative is clear: “Let’s give credit where it’s due—this is its own show.” Whether fans embrace the difference or pine for the old crew, the debate is already fueling buzz ahead of the April 15 premiere. If this catches fire, don’t say you weren’t warned. Anyway, that’s the lowdown. Do with it what you will.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Entertainment Weekly, Variety, People Magazine
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
