Behind the Scenes: Ben Stiller’s Attempt to Cast Obama in “Severance”
Animated Lumon Industries voiceover featured by a famous actor
Stiller’s Humorous Encounter on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
In a recent segment of “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” actor and director Ben Stiller shared an amusing anecdote about his effort to recruit former President Barack Obama for a voice role in the highly anticipated second season of ”Severance.” However, it appears that Obama politely declined the invitation.
The Animated Building in Focus
During the premiere episode of season two, viewers were treated to an animated vignette showcasing Lumon Industries, where the building itself served as a character with dialogue. While its vocal performance remained uncredited, it was revealed that acclaimed actor Keanu Reeves lent his voice for this quirky segment.
A Different First Choice
Interestingly enough, Stiller initially had another high-profile candidate in mind before reaching out to Reeves. He disclosed that he had sought out none other than President Barack Obama first. His revelation drew chuckles from audience members eager to hear more.
The Outreach That Followed
“I had just one person on my shortlist before him,” Stiller recounted. Upon being prompted for details about this individual, he promptly mentioned Obama’s name—much to everyone’s amusement.
After contacting Obama’s attorney with his proposal, he received feedback within two days. Reflecting on this quick turnaround, Stiller jokingly questioned what could possibly be more significant than voicing an animated structure for “Severance.”
A Resounding Success for Apple TV+
“Severance” kicked off its second season on January 17 and has quickly become Apple’s top-tier series since usurping the previous champion “Ted Lasso.” This shift highlights not only viewer engagement but also hints at changing trends in streaming preferences among audiences.
Pushing Promotions into Overdrive
Recognizing its flagship show’s success, Apple has executed extensive promotional strategies including exclusive pop-up events featuring numerous celebrities and even provided limited-time access through Roku devices dedicated solely to showcasing “Severance.” Notably, Tim Cook himself participated in a comedic promotional sketch aligning with Season 2’s release.
