Idris Elba
Variety reports that Idris Elba will join the cast of The Office for a six episode stint later in the current season. It seems he will be playing some sort of rival to Michael Scott, in the form of a “no-nonsense hire at [the] Dunder Mifflin corporate office”. Maybe an efficiency expert or something? Like most of his fans, I was won over by Elba’s portrayal of Stringer Bell during the first three seasons of The Wire. Since then he’s found solid footing in movies, appearing in the likes of 28 Weeks Later, American Gangster and RocknRolla. I don’t require much in the way of news to be excited about The Office, but I can definitely say I’m looking forward to what he brings to the show. The guest spots by Amy Ryan were a bright spot, and I expect these to be similarly fun. And as a fan, good for him.
Update: Alan Sepinwall reports that Elba’s character will be filling in the position previously held by Jan and Ryan. I guess that was the obvious possibility.
