Will Ferrell has committed to a four-episode arc of The Office. He will play a branch manager who comes from the home office and is just as inappropriate as Steve Carell's Michael Scott character. NBC is still figuring out exactly when the episodes will air, but Ferrell has committed to one episode beyond Carell’s finale, to help create a bridge.

Ferrell called the producers, offering his services because he's a fan and wanted to commemorate Carell’s swan song by taking part. They are close friends who costarred in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. The stint brings Ferrell back to NBC, where he launched his career on Saturday Night Live. He also has done stints on such series as 30 Rock and Eastbound & Down.

“We found Steve Carell when he was nothing but a movie star and we turned him into a television star,” said exec producer Paul Lieberstein (who doubles as the annoying HR executive Toby Flenderson, Michael Scott’s arch-nemesis. “We are proud to continue The Office’s tradition of discovering famous talent, and we hope that once America gets a good look at Will, they’ll see what we see, tremendous raw sexuality.”

http://www.deadline.com/hollywood/

http://content.hollywire.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/will-ferrell.jpg

Will Ferrell is Not the New "Office" Boss
by Jean Bentley
posted Jan 31st 2011


Will Ferrell's guest spot on "The Office" will not turn into something bigger.

Star Rainn Wilson confirmed that Ferrell's character will definitely not become the new Dunder Mifflin boss. [Entertainment Weekly]

http://www.tvsquad.com/2011/01/31/cbs-subs-mike-and-molly-for-two-and-a-half-men-will-ferrell-i/

Rainn WIlson, who plays Dwight on "The Office," tells Lynette Rice of EW.com's Inside TV how the show landed Will Ferrell. And, no people, Wilson says, don't expect Ferrell to replace the departing Steve Carell.

According to the article. " 'Will is coming in as a possible boss but everyone knows he is not going to stay because he makes $20 million a film,' Wilson said. 'He’s got other fish to fry. He called us up. He called the producers and said ‘I heard Steve’s leaving and I would like to be a part of his exit some how. I’d like to be there for it.’ So they were like, ‘Hell’s yeah!’ I think it will be great because Will’s sense of humor is very much in line with our show’s sense of humor.'

The article adds that Wilson said he believes the show will become "even more of an ensemble show. I think we will have more interesting arcs with guest stars.”

http://www.tvweek.com/blogs/tvbizwire/2011/02/exit-laughing-rainn-wilson-who.php