If you had your hopes up that Michael Scott would return to Dunder-Mifflin for The Office series finale in May, then I’m afraid you’re out of luck. Steven Carell confirmed to Access Hollywood that he’s decided not to make a cameo.

“I just didn’t think it was right for the character, because that character had had an arch within the story and kind of grew and sort of evolved past the idea of the documentary,” Carell said. “I’m really good friends with everybody on the cast and with [executive producer] Greg Daniels and I want to go back to say, ‘Hi,’ certainly, before it all ends, but I just thought, in terms of the character, it didn’t make sense.”

If an appearance doesn’t make sense for the story and his character, then it’s understandable why he declined an offer to return; we certainly don’t want it to feel forced, as if the show’s bringing back its former star just for the sake of nostalgia. Though I’m sure Office fans everywhere are disappointed by this announcement. (Who knows, maybe he’s filmed something in secret and it’s meant to be a surprise — we can always dream.)

Current cast member Jenna Fischer told reporters recently, “His goodbye was so perfect and it was so amazing. We always welcome him back, but at the same time I do feel that he went out really well.”

Steve Carell is currently starring in The Way, Way Back, featured at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

The Office airs Thursdays at 9pm on NBC.

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(Image courtesy of NBC)

Jeff Dodge

Staff Writer, BuddyTV

Jeff Dodge, a graduate of Western Washington University, has been a TV news editor for many years and has had the chance to interview multiple reality show stars, including Randy Jackson, Nick Cannon, Heidi Klum, Mel B and John Cena.