Ben Stiller, actor and executive producer of the popular Apple TV+ series “Severance,” announced that former President Barack Obama declined an offer to make a voice cameo in the show. The role was ultimately filled by Keanu Reeves.
During an episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” Stiller, who also serves as the primary director for the series, confirmed that Reeves is the uncredited voice behind the Lumon building animation in the “Lumon is Listening” sequence of the Season 2 premiere.
When Kimmel asked Stiller about speculations that the voiceover belonged to Reeves, Stiller not only confirmed the speculation but also revealed that his first choice for the role was Obama.
“There was one person that I asked before him and he said no,” Stiller stated in the interview. “That person was President Barack Obama.”
Stiller clarified that he didn’t directly contact Obama, but went through the proper channels, reaching out via his lawyer’s email.
Stiller was surprised when he received a personal response from the former president just a couple of days later. “Obama replied, ‘Hey Ben, big fan of the show, love Season 1, can’t wait for Season 2. I don’t think I have time in my schedule to make this happen.'”
The request coincided with a busy time for Obama, as the second season filming started in October 2022, a period when Obama was active campaigning for the midterm elections. During 2023, while the series continued filming, Obama was also involved in various projects through Higher Ground, his production company with his wife Michelle, for Netflix and Spotify.
After Obama’s declination, Stiller offered the role to Reeves who accepted to voice the anthropomorphic Lumon building in the propaganda video. According to Stiller, Reeves was already a fan of the show and showed a high level of professionalism.
Stiller selected Reeves for his “warm and inviting voice,” which was considered appropriate for the propaganda video’s aim of comforting the characters inside the show. The calm and soothing narration by Reeves contrasted effectively with the menacing corporate messaging.
“Severance” has become one of the top-rated and most-watched series on Apple TV+ since its debut. The series stars Adam Scott as Mark Scout, an employee at the enigmatic Lumon Industries where a procedure called “severance” surgically separates employees’ work and personal life memories. The series is a blend of workplace comedy, psychological thriller, and science fiction.
Interestingly, Stiller had to strongly advocate for the casting of Scott in the leading role. Initially, Apple TV+ was hesitant to cast Scott, who was primarily known for comedic roles in shows like “Parks and Recreation.” Stiller believed Scott’s background made him ideally suited for the series’ unique combination of comedy and drama.
The second season of “Severance” further develops the show’s intricate mythology and complex characters. Even though Obama did not join the cast, his admission of being a fan of the series underlines its widespread appeal and cultural significance.
