Domhnall Gleeson: Not Superman in ‘The Office’ Spinoff ‘The Paper’

Domhnall Gleeson, known for his roles in various movies, is taking on a new challenge as the star of Peacock’s latest show, “The Paper,” which premieres on September 4. This quirky sitcom is a loose spinoff of “The Office” and is set at a Midwest newspaper where Gleeson plays the editor in chief. His character, Ned Sampson, has a romanticized view of journalism and is determined to revive the struggling newspaper to its former glory.

While Gleeson’s character may not be Superman, he’s certainly on a mission to save local journalism in his own way. With a knack for finding the hook in news stories, Ned Sampson aims to draw readers in quickly and keep them engaged. Gleeson’s career has been marked by diverse roles, from heartfelt and whimsical characters to those in precarious situations, and now he’s stepping into the chaotic world of the newspaper business.

In “The Paper,” Ned Sampson brings his nerdy, well-meaning, and hopeful disposition to the Toledo Truth Teller. Despite his unconventional background in cardboard and toilet paper sales, along with a degree in journalism, Ned is determined to lead a restless and dissatisfied staff towards responsible local journalism. His earnest intentions to inspire his team to deliver useful and impactful information to the community set the stage for a humorous and heartwarming journey.

As Ned declares in the first episode, “When I was a kid, I didn’t want to be Superman; I wanted to be Clark Kent. Because to me, Clark is the real superhero. He’s saving the world, too, by working at a newspaper.” With “The Paper,” Gleeson and his character are poised to bring a fresh perspective to the beloved mockumentary sitcom genre, offering a unique and engaging take on the challenges of the modern newspaper industry.