James Spader is currently in talks with NBC to replace Steve Carrell on ‘The Office,’ Entertainment Weekly is reporting. While the Emmy-winning actor’s character Robert California was originally in negotiations to become the new manager of the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin, the mockumentary’s producers are now considering having Robert replace Kathy Bates’ character Jo Bennett as the CEO of the paper company.

Bates will reportedly leave her ‘Office’ role to solely focus on Season 2 of her other NBC show, the legal dramedy ‘Harry’s Law.’ However, Spader’s deal isn’t final yet, and no scripts have been written yet for ‘The Office.’ If he does join the show, he will reportedly appear in the upcoming Season 8 premiere.

If written into the premiere, it’s believed Robert will decide the Scranton branch is too small for him. But he will have a strong impact on the office, with his manipulative ways.

Written by: Karen Benardello