Was Steve Carell the Glue? Rainn Wilson Thinks So

June 29, 2025: Rainn Wilson, known for playing the iconic Dwight Schrute on The Office, has opened up about the behind-the-scenes turmoil that followed Steve Carell’s departure from the beloved sitcom in 2011. Speaking on a podcast with Josh Peck and Ben Soffer, Wilson candidly described how the show’s dynamics shifted after losing its central figure, Michael Scott — played by Carell.

“When Steve left, it was a little bit chaotic… trying to figure out the tone of the show, who’s the lead, and how to tell stories without the comic engine — Michael Scott,” Wilson said. “That was also a struggle.”

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Though fans were heartbroken, Wilson noted that Carell’s exit wasn’t a shock to the cast. “He was such a big movie star at the time. It was inevitable,” he explained.

Following his departure, Carell starred in multiple successful films, including Crazy, Stupid, Love, the Despicable Me series, and The Way Way Back. His portrayal of Michael Scott earned him six Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.

Despite the struggle, The Office continued for two more seasons and wrapped up in 2013 — with Carell making a surprise appearance in the series finale.

Now, a fresh take on the universe is coming. Titled The Paper, the new mockumentary-style series set in the same world as The Office is set to premiere this September on Peacock.