Back in January, when Will Ferrell's guest arc on The Office was announced, we tossed around the possibility of him sticking around beyond the four planned episodes. And at the Comedy Central Comedy Awards over the weekend, he confirmed as much.
"Yes, I'm taking over," Ferrell told EW. "My character's name is Deangelo Vickers, he loves the American Southwest, and he's just kind of in his own way going to step into Michael Scott's shoes and try to fill them. I'm friends with Steve and a fan of the show, and I just selfishly wanted to do one episode with him, and they pitched multiple ones, and I said, 'That'd be great.'" Pressed a little further, Ferrell surprised the reporter by saying, "Yeah. [It's] a regular, full-time gig."
The problem is that no one seems to know whether Ferrell was kidding or not. EW approached network and series executives, all of whom expressed much skepticism that Ferrell will be around for The Office Season 8. The reason? Prestige and money. "[He isn't] going to stay because he makes $20 million a film," Office star Rainn Wilson once said.
I'm less convinced of that. Ferrell has been expermenting with some interesting career tangents lately, from his one-man show on Broadway to his cameos on shows like 30 Rock and Tim and Eric's Awesome Show Great Job!. (He's also appearing in the upcoming Tim and Eric movie.) Yes, Ferrell will probably continue to put out about one, big-budget comedy a year, but remember that Carell managed to put out three—Date Night, Despicable Me and Dinner for Schmucks—in 2010 alone. TV scheduling has a miraculous way of working around the requirements of a huge, ratings-goosing star.
I think Ferrell probably had a great time shooting his episodes of The Office, and now wants more. And The Office absolutely needs Ferrell. The show has a great ensemble, but will flounder without an anchor—someone the rest of the team can focus their resentment on. If not Ferrell, then who? I think they should walk him down a long hallway filled with hundreds of lit candles and ask him to join the series until cancellation do they part.
Then who? Easy, Will Arnett.
$20 million a film! He is not worth that!
I know part of being a tv journalist(by the most basic definition) is speculation, but you take it to a new level, sir. Seriously this article is about how there is no new information except a quote that may have been a joke.
I hope he sticks around. I think he's going to be great in the office. The only choice for replacing Carrell.
Ferrell will guest star in the Office but no way is it going to become his regular gig. I thought they already settled on the walking corpse looking dude- Arnett.I really like the Portia de Rossi rumor. Especially if she basicially played it like she did on Better Off Ted
I wouldn't mind Ferrell as the new boss, but if he gets the job, I'd sort of expect him to pretty much play the same character as Carell -- the kind of role Ferrell plays in most of his movies (kind-hearted but ignorant/stupid/naive). And I'm not sure a "replica" character is the best way to go -- Arnett usually plays the ignorant/stupid/naive type as well, but he has a whole different presence than Carell/Ferrell.
This beer tastes so good.
I think Gibbs is going to be replaced on NCIS by field agent Barrett.
I thinks Gibbs leaves and the show tanks.
Will Ferrell has NEVER made anything funny.
Ferrell would be great and really funny. BTW my aunt works on this show. No joke!
I think either Ferrell or Arnett would be really funny and a great change of pace for the show- I love both actors and I don't get all of the hate for either one
NBC can't afford him, he was joking when he said that.
Haha.lol
wow i cant stand this guy. this sucks!is waayy to over the top!
Anyone but Arnett and I'll probably be happy.
Spoiler alert, anyone. Way to go jerk.
@daleroe must not of watched him on saturday night live then... the way he delivered absurd material in such a way that it was normal and the way things he did were very subtle in just adlibbing a scene where he would stare at the person a little longer... i don't think anyone in snl history made people bust up laughing more than he did... haters can't hate all they want he is a legend.
I would rather have Will Arnett - or any Arrested Development alum - take over than Ferrell. I'll reserve most judgment until I actually see him in action with the other cast members, but...ugh.
Will Arnett sucks, and Ricky Gervais wouldn't fit the American Office. On the other hand, Will Ferrell would be AWESOME. Some people love him (like me), others hate him (like the posters below ). Realistically the show should end with Carell's departure, but if Ferrell becomes the new boss, it just might work!
who cares?
Let the record show that this is the first time I have ever seen Will Ferrell being referred to as "subtle."
If Ferrel gets to be the boss, I will probably stop watching The Office. I hate that guy. I really hope the rumor is true that Will Arnett will be the new boss.
He's the worst. How can ANYBODY want this person to be anywhere?!
It would be great.
ferrell would be one of the few people who could replace carell.. he would have to tone it down a little and be a bit more subtle and then it would work well... i followed him all through saturday night live and he was a master at being able to be absurd in a calm way if that makes sense... he was so funny it was impossible for the other actors to keep a straight face. if he channelled those snl days with the characters he used to do that were very subtle in their absurdity and translated that to an absurd office character i believe it would work without a doubt. the question is can the writers sort of understand that and give him good enough material to make it work.moreless
No chance.