Will Ferrell to Play New Boss on 'The Office'?

Will Ferrell is all set to join the cast of "The Office" as a boss that's as outrageously socially inept as Steve Carell's Michael Scott. Will Ferrell and Steve Carell last co-starred together in "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" in 2004. Ferrell is currently experienced box office success with his latest film, the animated hit "Megamind."

It was also recently reported that Steve Carell is leaving "The Office" sooner than was earlier stated by show's producers. When Carell announced that the 2010-2011 season would be his last, it was also stated that he would finish out the season. According to "Entertainment Weekly," the executive producer of "The Office," Greg Daniels, is now singing a different tune. It's believed that Carell will actually be leaving the show when there are four episodes left to the season.

"TV Guide" reported that Carell is having mixed feelings as the show nears its end for him. He stated, "It's bittersweet. I'm excited about the prospect to be able to spend more time with my family, but these are some of my best friends on the show, and I will miss them."

Regarding the role of Will Ferrell at the end of the season, Steve Carell said, "The specific story line between us has not been worked out, but we know he's coming in as another regional manager and as a potential replacement."

Because of the fact that Carell is leaving, as Ferrell is slated to guest star, rumors have been swirling. As "The Boston Globe" stated, "Is it possible that NBC is trying out Will Ferrell for the job? Nah. Carell, after all, is leaving to further his movie career, whereas Ferrell's film career is already in high gear. Still, until an official announcement comes, we can hope..."

While it hasn't been clarified whether Ferrell will have a more permanent role on the show, his original stint is slated to be a guest appearance. It has yet to be announced who will replace Steve Carell as the long-term boss of Dunder Mifflin.

"The Office" has seen other excitement this season. Ricky Gervais, who starred in the original version of the show in the UK (which was also called "The Office"), reprised his role of incompetent boss David Brent in January.