HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch may be placing a help wanted ad for a new head honcho.
For the second time, Steve Carell has hinted that he'll be leaving The Office after its seventh season wraps next year.
"I just think it's time," he told E! News Sunday at the premiere of his new movie, Despicable Me. "When I first signed on I had a contract for seven seasons, and this coming year is my seventh. I just thought it was time for my character to go."
Carell also insisted that the show will go on just fine without him.
"[This might] add some new life and some new energy to the show," said Carell, who plays regional manager Michael Scott. "I certainly didn't anticipate any hubbub over it. I didn't see it as a huge deal."
"[The writers] have incorporated so many new characters and so many new, great storylines that I have no doubt it'll continue as strong if not stronger than ever," he added.
The 47-year-old actor has received four Emmy nominations for the NBC comedy role, originated by Ricky Gervais on the BBC version of The Office.
Carell also hinted about his plans to leave The Office during an April BBC Radio interview.
NBC has yet to comment on Carell's plans to leave the show.
Photo credit: Mitchell Haaseth / NBC
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