James Spader to Become an 'Office' Regular?

According to an exclusive report in Entertainment Weekly, James Spader (Race) may become a permanent fixture on NBC's 'The Office.' While he has long been rumored to be a candidate to replace Steve Carell, EW.com reports that Spader is actually in talks to replace Kathy Bates as the CEO of Dunder Mifflin.  

They write: "Whereas Bates functioned more like a guest star in the series, however, Spader would have a significant weekly presence on the show. The actor's deal is not done and no scripts have been written for the upcoming eighth season, which goes into production in about a month. Yet if all goes according to plan, Spader's character - named "Robert California" - will be introduced in the premiere as the new Office manager. He quickly decides the role is too small for him, and somehow talks corporate into appointing him as its new CEO."

Bates is departing the show to spend more time working on the second season of Harry's Law.

For the full report, click here. 

Spader was last seen on The Office set on the show's seaon finale May 19, which also guest starred Ray Romano ('Everybody Loves Raymond'), Catherine Tate ('Doctor Who'), and James Spader ('Boston Legal') will join Ricky Gervais, Will Arnett, and Will Ferrell.

NBC's The Office depicts the everyday lives of office employees in the Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. 

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos