Greg Daniels, renowned creator of the hit TV show ‘The Office’, recently shared insights on why he decided to revisit the character of Oscar in the upcoming series ‘The Paper’. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Daniels elaborated on his choice to explore Oscar’s story further. The creator, known for adapting the US version of ‘The Office’, expressed that actor Oscar Nuñez brought a unique dynamism to his portrayal of Oscar Martinez, making him an intriguing character to revisit.
Daniels highlighted Nuñez’s comedic prowess and explained that compared to other characters from ‘The Office’, Oscar’s story lacked a significant arc, leaving room for further exploration. While Oscar did face some challenges, such as a romantic entanglement with Angela Martin in the final season, Daniels noted that the character remained mostly dignified throughout the series. This stability, coupled with Nuñez’s talent, made Oscar an ideal candidate for a deeper dive into his narrative.
The upcoming spinoff, ‘The Paper’, follows the struggles of a failing Midwestern newspaper and its dedicated staff looking to breathe new life into the publication. Nuñez reprises his role as Oscar in this new venture, alongside a talented cast including Sabrina Impacciatore and Domhnall Gleeson. Daniels, alongside co-creator Michael Koman, discussed their decision to bring back Oscar, emphasising the character’s potential for further development without disrupting the original show’s legacy.
While ‘The Paper’ features Nuñez as the sole familiar face from ‘The Office’, there were exciting surprises on set. Impacciatore revealed that both Steve Carell and John Krasinski made unexpected visits during filming, delighting the cast. Despite missing the chance to meet these iconic actors, stars Gbemisola Ikumelo and Alex Edelman expressed their eagerness to potentially interact with Carell and Krasinski in the future.
As anticipation builds for the premiere of ‘The Paper’ on Peacock, fans can look forward to seeing Nuñez’s return to the small screen in a new and engaging role. The series promises a fresh perspective on the world of journalism, coupled with the signature humour that made ‘The Office’ a beloved classic. With a talented ensemble cast and the creative vision of Daniels and Koman, ‘The Paper’ is poised to captivate audiences and offer a compelling narrative that explores themes of resilience and reinvention.
‘The Paper’ premieres on Thursday, September 4th, on Peacock, offering viewers a glimpse into the trials and triumphs of the newspaper industry. Stay tuned for more updates and exclusive insights into the making of this highly anticipated spinoff. As audiences prepare to embark on this new journey, the legacy of ‘The Office’ lives on through the exploration of familiar characters like Oscar in ‘The Paper’.