Oscar Nuñez, beloved for his role as Oscar Martínez in ‘The Office’, returns for the new spinoff ‘The Paper’. This article explores the reasons behind his unique comeback and what fans can expect from the series.
Why Oscar Nuñez is the Only ‘The Office’ Star Returning for ‘The Paper’
When viewers tune in to The Paper, the new spinoff of The Office set at a Midwestern newspaper, they will be met with a familiar face: Oscar Nuñez, who played fan-favorite Dunder Mifflin accountant Oscar Martínez in the original series. He returns alongside a fresh cast including Domhnall Gleeson, Sabrina Impacciatore, Chelsea Frei, Melvin Gregg, and Ramona Young. The same fictional documentary crew that filmed at Dunder Mifflin is now seeking their next subjects.
Creators Explain the Decision
At the series’ Los Angeles premiere, creators Greg Daniels and Michael Koman elaborated on why Oscar serves as a connecting piece between the two projects. Daniels remarked, “He’s fabulous, he’s hilarious. In the finale of The Office, the characters had closure, but Oscar remained consistent, making his return logical.” Koman added, “Oscar’s just really funny and blends well with any ensemble, enhancing the show’s humor.”
Limited Guest Appearances
However, don’t expect many other The Office cast members to appear on The Paper. Daniels stated, “Most of the cast had closure, and I wanted to create a show that stands on its own without relying on guest stars from the original series.”
Nuñez’s Journey Back
Nuñez himself described his return as a “slow process” that involved numerous discussions with Daniels. He humorously suggested that his former castmates are not too jealous: “They’re doing OK; I think they’re happy for me.”
Former Cast Members at the Premiere
Several former stars of The Office attended the premiere, including Ellie Kemper, Paul Lieberstein, Creed Bratton, and Kate Flannery. Kemper, who is married to Koman, playfully remarked on Nuñez’s return, expressing her initial reluctance but ultimately praising his performance: “He’s just fantastic.”
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A Unique Spinoff Concept
Koman explained the innovative concept behind this spinoff, which exists in the same universe as The Office but with minimal overlap. “Greg proposed creating a documentary-style show about a struggling newspaper, and I was immediately drawn to it. The idea of the original crew looking for a new subject was compelling,” he noted.
He further elaborated, “I liked the idea that the original Office documentary exists in our world, allowing our characters to understand the filming process over time.”
The Paper debuts all 10 episodes of its first season on September 4 on Peacock.
