It looks like Michael Scott's long-awaited return to The Office is happening.

Despite reports to the contrary, he apparently will appear in the May 16 finale.

In a conference call with reporters last week, creator Greg Daniels quashed speculation about a Carell cameo, saying “I think Steve felt, and I agree, that the 'Goodbye, Michael' episode was his goodbye."

"He didn’t want to overshadow the ending that all the characters deserved.”

It turns out that was more carefully-worded than a lot of people thought.

Carell’s return won’t overshadow the ending, because it's reportedly going to be more of a cameo than a full-on guest starring role. But the man, the myth, the Dunder Mifflin legend will be there!

An NBC spokesperson and Carell's rep both declined to confirm the report.

However, this weekend, Carell surprised thousands of Office fans when he joined his longtime co-stars at a huge party in Scranton, Pa., lending credence to the reports of his brief role reprisal.

How do you think the show should bring Michael back, if at all? Discuss!

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.