"The Office" meets "The Mandalorian". Creator reveals details
News about a potential return of "The Office" has certainly warmed the hearts of its fans, leading to rampant speculation about the resumption of production. Greg Daniels, the creator of the original series, has finally shared his thoughts on the subject.
A decade has passed since the conclusion of the American version of "The Office". Despite its British predecessor having two seasons produced between 2001 and 2003, the American sitcom's influence is so substantial that even a hint of a potential comeback sends fans into a frenzy. Recently, the showrunner disclosed his vision for the evolution of the beloved tale about the professional and personal lives of the Dunder Mifflin employees.
A Continuation, Not a Reboot
"Puck News" reported in September that Greg Daniels, the original creator, would be involved in the yet-unconfirmed continuation. It was expected that more details would emerge after the writers' strike, but even now, weeks after its conclusion, no new information has been released.
Nonetheless, Daniels is open to discussions about the possible return of "The Office". He recently assured NBC that he will make announcements when there's something to disclose. Daniels also gave his insights on politically incorrect jokes, which were abundant in the original series but would likely have to be toned down in response to shifts in audience sensitivity and public discourse.
In a recent interview with "The Wrap", Daniels expressed that he believes any new series should not be a reboot, implying that the same story with a slightly different twist and a new cast would not be ideal. He suggests the characters have had their story arcs satisfactorily wrapped up and he would not like to revisit them with a new cast. Arguably, Daniels' point of view may bring relief to original fans worried about potential changes to their beloved series.
If Not a Reboot, Then What?
If "The Office" were to return, it would likely be as an expansion of the existing universe, possibly as a spin-off. This is a popular method to revisit a world created in a famous movie, series, or book but with entirely new narratives and characters. Recent examples of this approach include "Generation V" from "The Boys" and "Queen Charlotte" from "Bridgerton". Daniels cited an interesting example to illustrate his point.
An idea for something like "The Mandalorian", a spin-off from the "Star Wars" universe, could be intriguing and creative. The idea of a documentary crew following different subjects could be a unique take. But a precise name for such a concept does not yet exist. It could be seen as a sister show. Regardless, a reboot would not be an appropriate description, as per Daniels.
