Reason former US president turned down a role in Apple TV's Severance season 2
Severance, an Apple TV show which is now in its second season has captivated viewers across the globe with its gripping story and stellar performances from stars such as Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro and Britt Lower. Ben Stiller, an executive producer for the show, who also directs many of its episodes has now revealed that he had invited former President Barack Obama to join the cast of Severance.
Stiller revealed on Monday's episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live that he had got in touch with the former POTUS to see if he was interested in voicing the Lumon building from the 'Lumon Is Listening' video. Even with his celebrity status, Stiller had to reach out to Obama through a friend who happened to know Obama's lawyer, who requested that Stiller write an email to be forwarded to the former president.
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Stiller confirmed that he personally got an email back from the former president saying he's a "big fan of the show" but sadly rejecting the offer due to his busy schedule. This isn't the first time the Severance creators have expressed an interest in getting Obama on the show. Back in 2022 executive producer Dan Erickson explained to The Hollywood Reporter that he had hoped to pitch a role to Barack Obama at the Emmys, while Obama was up for an Emmy for his role in Our Great National Parks, which he won.
While its disappointing that we didn't get to hear the former president in the second season of Severance, Stiller seemed pretty psyched that he even got a response, stating "It was pretty cool that he responded". With Severance season 2 now available to stream on Apple TV, viewers can catch a glimpse of the Lumon Is Listening video, voiced by Stiller's second choice, Keanu Reeves (Matrix, John Wick).
As cool as it might have been to hear the former president's voice on one of Apple TV's most successful shows, Stiller stated that Reeves took the role very seriously, offering them multiple takes to choose from, helping to really bring the role to life.
Although Apple TV have yet to officially renew Severance for a third season, a writers room for the show has been assembled, making it extremely likely that a third season is on the way. Hopefully, with enough backing and support from viewers and celebrities like Ben Stiller, we might still be able to see the former president enjoying a waffle party with the rest of the cast in the Lumon office.