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During a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Stiller unveiled an unexpected casting attempt for the show's second season. His target? None other than Barack Obama, who ultimately declined the unique voiceover opportunity. The proposed role was to narrate a "Lumon Is Listening" video featuring an animated company building—a pivotal element in the series' distinctive storytelling.
Stiller's approach was deliberately indirect. Unable to contact Obama directly, he relied on a mutual connection to his lawyer. An email was sent, detailing the show and the potential voiceover opportunity. The response came swiftly and personally, with Obama expressing his admiration for the series while simultaneously declining the invitation.
"President Obama said he was a big fan of the show and couldn't wait for season two," Stiller recounted. However, the former president noted he couldn't accommodate the request due to scheduling constraints. Stiller's playful response captured the missed opportunity: "What's more important than doing the voiceover for the animated building in Severance?"
Ultimately, Keanu Reeves stepped into the role, bringing his characteristically warm vocal presence to the Lumon building's narration. Stiller praised Reeves' performance, noting his "warm, inviting voice" that subtly enhances the video's enigmatic quality.
Show creator Dan Erickson emphasized the careful consideration behind the voice selection. The team sought someone with specific vocal qualities—warm, friendly, and capable of creating an intriguing atmosphere. Reeves perfectly embodied these characteristics, adding depth to the already complex narrative.
The anecdote highlights the meticulous attention to detail that defines Severance. Even a seemingly minor element like a building's voiceover receives significant creative deliberation. It also offers a humorous glimpse into the unexpected intersections of entertainment and politics.
As the show's second season continues to unfold, fans remain captivated by its innovative storytelling. The brief interaction between Stiller and Obama serves as a delightful footnote to the series' ongoing success, demonstrating that sometimes the most interesting stories happen off-screen.
With new episodes premiering weekly on Apple TV+, Severance continues to push the boundaries of narrative storytelling, one unexpected detail at a time.
