Things are getting bloodier than the Macrodata Refinement Calamity, as Ben Stiller has clapped back at scandalous rumors when it comes to Apple TV's Severance. While we were once used to TV epics like Lost and 24 churning out 20+ episodes of a show every year, the Golden Age of Television has given way to a more slow and steady approach.
We've already seen it with Stranger Things taking nearly a decade to tell just five seasons of a story, but that might be nothing compared to what Severance is up to. Before being dethroned by the equally lauded Pluribus, Severance was Apple's most-watched TV series.
Hitting that sweet spot of sci-fi thriller and dystopian nightmare, Severance has been praised for its unique premise and all-star cast. Created by Dan Erickson, Severance also has some notable talent behind the camera in the form of Ben Stiller as executive producer.
Stiller has been vocal about his love of the show before, although he's also proved he's not afraid to take out its naysayers.
Advert
Despite promising we won't have to wait three years for the next run of episodes like we had to between season one and season two, Stiller has called out supposed 'hearsay' articles about what's going on with season three.
With things being pretty dry out there in the world of Severance news, it appears parched fans are willing to hold onto even the smallest tidbit. The latest fracas came when it was reported that Apple TV had acquired the full rights to the series when heading into season 3 and potential future seasons.
It's said that a deal was made for around $70 million, with Apple nabbing Severance from the Fifth Season production banner. Similar things happened when Apple TV secured Silo from AMC Studios following season 1.
There's no official word on when Severance season 3 will even start filming, although fan-favorite John Turturro suggested things could kick off in July 2026.
There's been more tantalizing buzz that those up high want Severance to run for at least four seasons, and that it could also go down the Game of Thrones route with potential spin-offs.
Viewers have taken this to mean that production could soon ramp up now that Apple has more control, potentially leading to seasons releasing in quicker succession.
Over on X, one took umbrage with this as they said they're rather Erickson and the writers focus on nailing a solid season 3 and take their time instead of "pushing out something undercooked."
This landed on Stiller's radar, who responded saying: "Hey - talking to you because you’re a dedicated fan. Do not believe everything you read. Please."
Saying the original article is all "heresay [sp] and no sources attributed," he reiterated: "All we want to do is make the show as good as possible and maintain it and it’s always been and always will be our (and my) priority. Promise."
Elsewhere, the Zoolander star said that the people who work on Severance "have never worked on anything we care about more."
Referring to a 'complicated process', Stiller continued: "Ultimately the goal is to make something to live up to the dedication the fans have to it. So while imperfect, and sometimes frustrating in the time frame, there isn’t ever a time we are not working on it."
Cheering the dedicated team, her concluded: "It’s a combination of people all of whom’s contribution is essential and we all have been doing it together for 7 years now, and will will through the finale, whenever that is. We’re grateful for the fans patience, and always have been. 💙"
Even though Stiller has promised we won't have to wait as long for season 3, there are continued jokes that this means we'll only be waiting one day less than we had to for season 2.