Domhnall Gleeson had reservations before taking on a role in ‘The Paper’, a spinoff of ‘The Office’, Skip to content PEOPLE, Search Please fill out this field. Log In My Account Log Out Magazine, Subscribe Manage Your Subscription Give a Gift Subscription Get Help Newsletters Sweepstakes Subscribe Search Please fill out this field. Entertainment, Celebrity Movies Music TV Sports Awards & Events Books View All Crime, Crime News Serial Killers Cults Crime History View All Human Interest, Real People News Astrology Animals View All Lifestyle, Food Health Home Travel Style StyleWatch View All Royals, Royals PEOPLE StyleWatch Summer 2025 Shopping Shopping Fashion Beauty Home Kitchen Travel Pets Gifts Sales & Deals People Tested Shopping Subscribe Log In My Account My Account Log Out Magazine Magazine Subscribe Manage Your Subscription Give a Gift Subscription Get Help Newsletters Sweepstakes.
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Domhnall Gleeson, known for his roles in Star Wars and Harry Potter, revealed his initial hesitation about joining the cast of ‘The Paper’, a spinoff of the classic series The Office. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Gleeson expressed his admiration for The Office and sought advice from Steve Carell, who encouraged him to work with executive producer Greg Daniels. The actor also consulted with John Krasinski, his colleague on the project, before ultimately deciding to take on the role of Ned Sampson, the enthusiastic new editor in The Paper.
The new series, now available for streaming on Peacock, delves into the world of a company that acquires Dunder Mifflin, producing toilet paper and overseeing a struggling local newspaper in Toledo, Ohio. Gleeson leads the cast alongside Sabrina Impacciatore and The Office alumnus Oscar Nuñez. As Gleeson prepared for his role, he immersed himself in the challenges facing local newspapers, emphasizing the importance of truth and community awareness in journalism.
Reflecting on his unexpected journey into acting, Gleeson acknowledged the impact of his work on his personal growth. Despite initial aspirations in writing and directing, a pivotal experience in a stage production led him to discover a new form of self-expression through acting. Drawing inspiration from his family, including renowned actor Brendan Gleeson and his brother Brian Gleeson, Domhnall values their support and guidance in navigating the industry.
As ‘The Paper’ premieres on Peacock, Gleeson anticipates comparisons to its predecessor, The Office. While acknowledging the potential pressure of meeting audience expectations, he chooses to focus on the creative challenges and unique qualities of the spinoff. Embracing the opportunity to carve out a distinct identity for the series, Gleeson aims to deliver an engaging and enjoyable viewing experience for audiences.
Away from the spotlight, Gleeson indulges in simple pleasures like rock climbing and immersing himself in literature in his hometown of Dublin. Despite the demands of his career, he remains grounded in his roots and values the support of his family in navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry. With ‘The Paper’ marking his latest venture in television, Gleeson remains committed to exploring new facets of his craft and engaging audiences with compelling storytelling.
In a landscape filled with reboots and spinoffs, Domhnall Gleeson’s journey into ‘The Paper’ stands as a testament to his versatility as an actor and his dedication to crafting memorable characters. As viewers immerse themselves in the world of Ned Sampson and his colleagues, Gleeson’s nuanced portrayal promises to captivate audiences and offer a fresh perspective on the legacy of The Office. The Paper invites audiences to join a new chapter in the enduring legacy of workplace comedies, guided by Gleeson’s unwavering commitment to artistic excellence and storytelling innovation.