THE OFFICE creator and star Ricky Gervais is scripting an episode of THE SIMPSONS at the personal invitation of the toons creator Matt Groening, it was reported by VARIETY. Gervais will also lend his voice to the episode.
He will not reprise his role as an animated version of David Brent, the paper company regional manager who was at the center of THE OFFICE, a character retired after filming THE OFFICE Christmas specials.
"I've got the rough idea, but this is the most intimidating project of my career," Gervais said, calling THE SIMPSONS the "greatest TV show of all time."
Groening and most of the creative team of THE SIMPSONS are ardent fans of THE OFFICE it was revealed during a SIMPSONS panel at the Comic-Con Intl 2004, naming it a show they always watch.
Word of their collaboration came out last week at the British Comedy Awards, where Groening picked up the award for international comedy, won by THE SIMPSONS while Gervais received a special achievement award for writing.
NBC will air a U.S. version of THE OFFICE later this season.
