The short list of possible successors to Steve Carell’s Office throne seems to get longer with each passing day, but one name has emerged as the clear choice among fans and professional TV watchers alike: Michael Emerson. And yes, the Lost Emmy nominee has heard the talk. Even better, he’s interested in the job—and he told me so at Entertainment Weekly‘s pre-Emmy bash last night. Emerson also weighed in on the recently released Ben-centric Lost epilogue and the possibility of joining his real-life bride Carrie Preston on True Blood. “I could play the mild-mannered accountant that gets torn limb by limb by supernatural beings,” he suggested. “People could pick up my gooey mess and put it in a bowl.”
I might actually sit through an ‘Office’ episode if Michael Emerson joined the cast. That man is brilliant.
yea but is he funny?
Is Michael Emerson funny?!!!!
Yes, he is. I can’t even count the hilarious times he delivered as Ben said yet another absurd comment. And each time with such aplomb, dry wit and humor – I never thought of Michael Emerson to replace Carrell but I can see now why fans suggest this replacement.
Ah but that said, Carrell really can’t be replaced.
There can only be one The Office boss and Carrell does it so well.
But Emerson could be good……I just hope The Office goes out this season. I can’t imagine The Office without Carrell (long term that is….)
He’s stated that before he started getting villainous roles in Lost and Saw, he thought he would always be cast as dopey, funny guys in comedies (probably plays, mostly).
His long stage career consisted of mostly comedic roles.
I’ll give it a go.
WTF !!!
yeah…that interview was quite awkward towards the end. aussielo…ur kind of a d****e with your attitude n all. people who interview other people for a living usually smile from time to time!
Exactly why I can’t watch Aus on tape. He creeps me out.
Here we go agian. I heard Brett Michaels, Steven Tyler, Harry Connick JR and J-Lo were in the running as well.
Oh, man. That’d be great.
baha, excellent interview xD
” all she brings home is red hair and attitude ” lol
michael emerson is halarious.
1. Greg Daniels and the powers that be over on The Office, give that man a contract already!
2. I think it’s funny this notion of “replacing” Steve Carell. Michael Emerson (or whoever) wouldn’t be “replacing” anyone, he (or whoever) would be adding a new element to the show. Dear God, couldn’t you just SEE him ruining Jim and Dwight’s lives?
3. GREG DANIELS AND THE POWERS THAT BE OVER ON THE OFFICE, GIVE THAT MAN A CONTRACT ALREADY!
I find it funny that people think Michael can’t be replaced… but really, he was a replacement himself–for Ricky Gervais’ David Brent, whom I though was unreplaceable, until Steve Carrell came along. And oddly enough, the American office didn’t hit it’s stride until Carrell/the writers stopped trying to have Michael be “the new David Brent” and started doing their own thing. If they are able to find the right guy, and create a really new character, the office could be headed toward a second wind.
They shouldn’t get someone exactly like Michael Scott, we don’t need a replacement, we need a new element. Someone like Charles in the last season. But Michael Emerson would be great, a nice weird, quiet, slightly creepy boss. Someone that would weird everyone out.
I would much rather see Emerson on True Blood, he would make a wonderful guest star for a season.
I’ll watch Emerson in anything, but I already watch “The Office”, so that would be awesome. I do think it should end this season, but if he were cast, I would love for it to continue!
Please, please, Alan Ball, cast Michael Emerson on True Blood–but not as an accountant, as a vampire! He would be amazing!
Who cares – how serious was the relationship between Pam and Olyphant?
Dear Universe: Get Emerson cast on something stat. He needs to be back on my television. The Office, True Blood, whatever. I fell like I’d watch him in pretty much anything.
I feel the same. He can host ‘Dating in the Dark’ for all I care – just get him back on our tv’s!
Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. But only for one episode. I think they should just devote the entire season to a revolving door of temps – you know, to underscore the irreplaceability of Michael Scott. Stephen Chow as a Chinese outsource replacement. Michael Emerson as the Mr. Rogers by day/serial killer by night boss. Michael Richards as the subtly racist boss.
Hmm, but that wouldnt be funny because Richards is obviously racist. It would be like Mel Gibson playing a subtle racist. Or Chris Brown playing a subtle wife beater.