James Spader likely joining The Office, but not in the way you think he will

Instead, Spader is expected to be introduced in the fall as the new manager, only to immediately leverage his way into becoming the new CEO of Sabre by ousting Kathy Bates, who plans to exit the show anyway in order to focus on dispensing more eye-rolling justice over on Harry’s Law. That means the manager’s chair would be, yes, still open, leaving room for even more drawn-out casting speculation. British comedian Catherine Tate was an early favorite, until her theater schedule potentially got in the way. Expect to hear a definite decision on her participation soon—or don’t, probably, as the guessing game over which guest star will join The Office is now entering its first year of being a new national pastime.

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