James Spader May Join "The Office" on a Permanent Basis

James Spader may take on a permanent role in "The Office," though it isn’t quite what fans may have been expecting.

Since he appeared in an episode of "The Office" late last season, James Spader has been rumored to take over for the departed Steve Carell, the lovable boss of the long-running hit comedy. The producers of the show, however, apparently have other ideas for Spader, and are reportedly in talks with him now to join the show permanently as a replacement for Kathy Bates, who plays the role of CEO of the company that purchased Dunder Mifflin. Bates is apparently leaving so that she can focus all of her attention on her new show, "Harry’s Law," which sees her as the central character.

Bates has something of a guest role in "The Office" even though she is technically a regular member of the cast. Should Spader take over for her, continuing his role of "Robert California," he will apparently have a more active role on the show. Said one source who is close to the show’s producers, "He was so funny and had this weird energy. We didn’t want to pass it up."

Says one source, "Dwight has never come up against somebody equally powerful and diabolical. With Andy, he could be a and make life really hard for him once he sense he can manipulate him. Jim reads people really quickly, yet wasn’t sure what to make of the guy." One thing is clear – Spader was a hit in his limited time on the show last season as a guest. At one point, in his interview to take Michael Scott’s vacated position, he was asked if perhaps he was overqualified for the job. He replied, "Do I look like someone who would waste my own time?" It was delivered with such a straight face and utter seriousness that it almost seemed like the anti-Michael Scott, though the effect was still quite funny and it’s clear why the show’s producers are interested in bringing Spader on