It looks like James Spader may be taking charge at The Office this fall, as EW.com reports the Boston Legal alum is negotiating to join the NBC comedy full time this fall.

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Spader appeared in the Season 7 finale, " Search Committee ," as one of several candidates (all played by notable celebrities) who were vying for the job of Dunder Mifflin's manager job. But while most of these actors had other commitments that meant it was pretty much impossible for them to sign on to the show long term, Spader is not currently attached to any other series and his character got considerable camera time in the finale.However, the nature of Spader's role looks to be a bit different than expected. Read on if you don't mind knowing some spoilers for how Season 8 looks like it will begin, if Spader officially signs on.EW says that rather than have Spader's character, Robert California , become the office manager, he will actually become the new CEO, replacing Kathy Bates ' character, Jo Bennett , as Bates is committed full time to Harry's Law . EW says the plan is to have Robert first hired for the office manager job but "he quickly decides the role is too small for him, and somehow talks corporate into appointing him as its new CEO." However, unlike Jo, who only appeared periodically, Robert would appear on a weekly basis in the CEO position.That of course would still leave open the manager job on the show, but as EW notes, it does make it more likely that one of the existing characters could get that position – as the dynamic would now be shifted to the office's interaction with Robert as CEO more than how they deal day-to-day with the office manager. However, EW also mentions that Catherine Tate (Doctor Who), who also appeared in the finale, has been mentioned as a strong candidate to join the series.