Steve Carell Reveals If He'll Be In New 'Office' Series

Steve Carell has officially ruled out appearing in an upcoming new series in "The Office" universe.

Peacock is making a series that's not a reboot or spinoff, but simply a new story with a new cast. The untitled new series focuses on a failing newspaper company. Sound familiar?

One of the questions fans have had is whether or not any original cast members will appear. It seems unlikely, but you never know. After all, Carell - who played Michael Scott - appeared in the series finale after leaving the show years earlier.

Well, don't get your hopes up to see him return for the new "Office" saga.

Steve Carell is out on new "Office" series.

"I will be watching but I will not be showing up. It’s just a new thing and there’s really no reason for my character [Michael Scott] to show up in something like that. But I’m excited about it, it sounds like a great conceit. I love the idea — I guess it’s set in a failing newspaper company, and I worked with Domhnall Gleeson, who is one of the leads; I did [2022 series] The Patient with him and he’s an excellent actor and a super nice guy so I think it’ll be great," Carell told The Hollywood Reporter Monday at the premiere of his new movie "IF."

That should end any and all speculation about whether or not fans will see Carell in the Peacock series. Michael Scott might be "The Office" GOAT, but he's not returning.

Carell making it clear that he's not returning shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. The belief has been from the start that the original cast wouldn't return. Could some people possibly make brief appearances? Sure, but this isn't a reboot. There's really no great reason to have the entire cast return.

Second, it wouldn't make any sense from a story perspective. "The Office" ended with Michael Scott out in Colorado with Holly and a very happy family.

How would the writers be able to realistically cook up him returning to work at a failing newspaper company? It just doesn't add up.

Steve Carell won't appear in new "Office" series. (Photo by J. Kempin/Getty Images for NBC)

I'm holding out judgment until we actually get this series, but as I previously wrote, fans aren't overly impressed with a new series being made. There seems to be very little optimism it will be great. Perhaps, it will be great. We'll find out probably in 18-24 months. Let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.