'The Office' Planning Spin-Off?
NBC's "The Office" may lead to a spin-off series featuring Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute.
Reports state that NBC is currently planning the series to explore Wilson's character even further. According to sources, the idea is the brainchild of Wilson and co-star Paul Lieberstin, who plays Toby on the show. "Paul and Rainn have been joking for years about Dwight's life on the farm, his family and how ill-suited he is to run a bed and breakfast."
The source continued, "A while ago it started to feel like a show to them. NBC agreed, and it's been further developed to include multiple generations, many cousins and neighbors. At its base, it will be about a family farm struggling to survive and a family trying to stay together."
Wilson's character currently owns a bed and breakfast, as well as a beet farm that he inherited from his family. "The Office" is currently in its eighth season, and it has been suggested that Wilson would film season nine before going out on his own.
However, critics say that Wilson may be reluctant to actually perform in a spin-off. Rainn recently tweeted, "Don't believe everything you read in the press, ok?"
"The Office" is an American adaptation of the BBC's original series written and produced by Ricky Gervais. It has done will since premiering in 2005 and has garnered 26 Emmy nominations, with four wins. The American Film Institute named it the best TV series in 2006 and 2008.
"The Office" airs Thursday night on NBC.
