Sabrina Impacciatore shared a surprising story about the first day of filming for the new show The Paper. She said Steve Carell and John Krasinski from The Office visited the set unexpectedly. The actors walked into the makeup trailer to wish the new cast good luck. This happy event happened because Carell and Krasinski were filming a commercial next door. Their visit helped the nervous cast feel more confident about starting the new series.
The Paper is a new comedy show from Peacock. It comes from the same team that made The Office. The show is set in a small town newspaper called the Toledo Truth Teller. The story follows the publisher and staff as they try to save the struggling paper. Sabrina Impacciatore plays Esmeralda Grand, an editor at the newspaper. Other stars include Domhnall Gleeson, Chelsea Frei, and Oscar Nuñez from The Office.
The Surprise Visit on Set
Sabrina Impacciatore was with her co-stars Domhnall Gleeson and Chelsea Frei in the makeup trailer. It was the first day of filming at Universal Studios in Los Angeles. They were feeling very nervous about starting the new show. Suddenly, they heard a knock on the door. When the door opened, Steve Carell and John Krasinski walked in.
“No makeup yet. We are very anxious. Like, oh my God, we’re so scared. And then we hear knock, knock. Someone enters the trailer, and it’s Steve Carell and John Krasinski! We’re fainting. Like, what? Can you imagine? Isn’t it crazy? The first day of shooting!” said Sabrina Impacciatore.
Carell and Krasinski were at the studio lot to film a commercial for Lavazza coffee. They were working right next to where The Paper was being filmed. During a break, they decided to visit the set to support the new cast. Impacciatore saw this as a special sign because Lavazza is a coffee brand from Italy, her home country.
Sabrina Impacciatore’s Earlier Meeting with Steve Carell
This was not the first time Impacciatore had met Steve Carell. Before filming began, she had never seen The Office. After getting her role in The Paper, she started watching the show. She quickly became a big fan of Carell’s work. She learned that he was performing in a play called Uncle Vanya on Broadway in New York. She decided to fly from Rome to New York just to see him perform.
After the play, she went to the green room to meet Carell. She was very excited and nervous to talk to him. She asked him for his blessing for her work on the new show. Carell was very kind and supportive during their meeting.
“I went to see the show. I went to the green room. I waited for him. He came out. I was shaking. I said, ‘I’m Sabrina! Can you bless me?’ I needed his blessing for The Paper! He was the sweetest. He was so warm. He was encouraging me so much. He said, ‘These people are brilliant. You are going to have the best experience of your life. You’re going to be great.’ He was giving me confidence. I will never forget that. Never,” Impacciatore shared.
Carell told her that the team behind The Paper was very talented. He worked with them on The Office and knew they would do a good job. His words made her feel more sure about being part of the new project.
Connection to The Office
The Paper is set in the same world as The Office. It follows a documentary crew that is looking for a new subject to film. They find a local newspaper in Toledo, Ohio, and decide to follow its staff. The show has a similar style to The Office, with characters talking directly to the camera.
Oscar Nuñez is the only actor from The Office who will also be in The Paper. He will play his original character, Oscar Martinez. The new series aims to capture the same humor and heart that made The Office popular.
Steve Carell and John Krasinski are not expected to appear in The Paper. Their visit was just a friendly gesture to support the new cast and crew. However, their surprise appearance created a special moment for everyone involved.
About The Paper Show
The Paper is created by Greg Daniels and Michael Koman. Daniels was the showrunner for The Office. The new series will have 10 episodes in its first season. All episodes will be available on Peacock on September 4, 2025.
The show focuses on a historic newspaper called the Toledo Truth Teller. The publisher is trying to save the paper from closing. Domhnall Gleeson plays the new editor-in-chief, Ned Sampson. He is eager to bring new energy to the struggling paper. Sabrina Impacciatore plays Esmeralda Grand, the managing editor. Other cast members include Melvin Gregg, Gbemisola Ikumelo, and Ramona Young.
The series is a mockumentary, meaning it is filmed like a documentary. The characters know they are being filmed and sometimes talk to the camera. This style was also used in The Office and adds to the comedy of the show.
Why This Visit Mattered
The surprise visit from Carell and Krasinski was more than just a fun moment. It helped the cast feel connected to the legacy of The Office. It also gave them a confidence boost on their first day of filming. For Impacciatore, it felt like a full-circle moment after meeting Carell in New York.
The Lavazza coffee commercial also held special meaning for Impacciatore. She has drank that coffee her whole life. Having two stars from The Office visit while filming a commercial for an Italian brand felt like a sign of good luck.
The story of their visit has generated excitement among fans of The Office. Many are now curious to see how The Paper will turn out. The show hopes to attract both new viewers and fans of the original series.
The Paper will be released on Peacock in September. Viewers can watch all episodes at once. The show promises to bring laughter and heart to audiences, much like The Office did.
Credits: Variety, Deadline, Entertainment Weekly
