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Domhnall Gleeson is making a bold leap into American television with Peacock’s upcoming mockumentary series THE PAPER, marking a significant pivot in a career that has masterfully balanced blockbuster franchises with intimate character studies. The Irish actor, who captivated audiences as the conflicted Hux in the recent STAR WARS trilogy and broke hearts as Tim in ABOUT TIME, now finds himself at the center of a comedy series that carries the substantial weight of following in THE OFFICE’s footsteps.
Set to premiere September 4 with a generous four-episode drop, THE PAPER represents more than just another streaming series launch—it’s Gleeson’s most prominent foray into the distinctly American art of workplace comedy. The series follows the same documentary crew that immortalized Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch as they discover a historic Midwestern newspaper and the publisher desperately trying to revive it. That publisher is Gleeson, stepping into territory that feels both familiar and entirely new for an actor who has spent recent years navigating the complexities of science fiction epics and British period pieces.

The timing couldn’t be more intriguing for Gleeson’s career trajectory. Following his memorable turn as the increasingly unhinged General Hux across THE FORCE AWAKENS, THE LAST JEDI, and THE RISE OF SKYWALKER, the actor has been deliberately seeking projects that showcase his range beyond the confines of galactic villainy. His recent work has demonstrated a particular gift for characters caught between ambition and vulnerability—a skill that should serve him well as a newspaper publisher fighting against the tide of modern media.

Created by Greg Daniels, who developed the American version of THE OFFICE, and Michael Koman, co-creator of NATHAN FOR YOU, THE PAPER arrives with impressive comedic pedigree. The series promises to capture the lightning-in-a-bottle formula that made THE OFFICE a cultural phenomenon, but with Gleeson’s particular brand of earnest intensity anchoring the proceedings. His ability to find genuine emotion within comedic situations—evident in films like EX MACHINA and FRANK—suggests he’s uniquely positioned to navigate the mockumentary format’s delicate balance between humor and heart.

The supporting cast, including Sabrina Impacciatore, Chelsea Frei, and Oscar Nuñez reprising his role from THE OFFICE, creates an ensemble that should allow Gleeson to explore the collaborative comedy style that has become his recent calling card. After years of carrying dramatic weight in films like THE REVENANT and BROOKLYN, this represents a chance for audiences to see a different side of an actor who has consistently chosen projects that challenge both himself and viewer expectations.
With new episodes dropping every Thursday through September 25, THE PAPER offers Gleeson the rare opportunity to develop a character across multiple episodes rather than the single-film format that has defined much of his recent work. For an actor who has proven equally capable of commanding the screen in intimate character studies and massive franchise installments, this television venture represents the next logical evolution in a career defined by thoughtful risk-taking and genuine artistic curiosity.