Ben Stiller's "Severance" Dream: Obama Voice Cameo That Almost Was
Imagine hearing Barack Obama's voice in the eerie world of "Severance." It almost happened! The hit Apple TV+ show, with its mind-bending plot, grabbed everyone's attention. Ben Stiller, as producer and director, had a cool idea: get Obama to voice a character.
"Severance" became a big deal. People loved its strange story and how it made them think.
During a recent interview, the "Severance" executive producer and director revealed that before asking John Wick star Keanu Reeves to narrate the show’s puppet propaganda video, he originally reached out to President Barack Obama.
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"I didn't ask him in person, I knew someone who knew his lawyer and his lawyer said I can relay the request if you write an email," Stiller shared during a March 3 episode of his late-night show. "So, I wrote an email to him saying like, 'Hey we have this show,' whatever.”
The show asks a big "what if?" What if you could split your work life from your personal life? "Severance" explores this using a procedure that separates your "Innie" (work self) from your "outie" (real-world self). It's a wild ride.
Unfortunately, the Zoolander actor didn’t quite get the answer he had hoped for from the ex-President.
“Two days later, I get an email back from President Barack Obama,” he explained. “Saying, ‘Hey Ben, big fan of the show, love season one, can’t wait for season two. Don’t think I have time in my schedule to make this happen.’”
Despite his disappointment, Ben was surprised the A Promised Land author wrote back, saying it was “pretty cool he responded.”
Critics loved "Severance," and it racked up awards. It was nominated for 14 Primetime Emmy Awards and won two. The show's fresh take on work-life balance really hit home.
The show has a huge fan base. Online, people share theories and discuss every little detail. It's fun to see everyone so involved in the mystery.
The Night at the Museum actor was thrilled with Keanu’s performance, explaining he took the role “very seriously.”
“We reached out to him, and he was like, ‘Yeah, okay I’ll do it,’” Ben explained. “We did it like a full-on recording session. He was in L.A., I was in New York, but, you know, he went into the studio and did multiple takes.”
As if his work effort wasn’t enough, the 59-year-old also complemented Keanu’s tone, saying he has “the most warm and inviting voice.”
Ben Stiller did more than act funny. He was a key creative force behind "Severance." His vision shaped the show.
Stiller can jump from comedy to serious stuff. His direction made "Severance" both funny and creepy. He knows how to keep you guessing.
Stiller's touch gave the show its unique vibe. "Severance" looks at themes like who controls us and what makes us who we are. The show makes you think about work and what it means to you.
When Stiller mentioned his Obama idea. People were shocked and excited. The thought of Obama in the show was pretty cool.
Politicians showing up in movies and shows happens sometimes.
Al Gore was on "Futurama," it was funny. Arnold Schwarzenegger was in movies before he got into politics. These appearances catch people's attention.
The Matrix actor who went unlisted in the series’ credits, Ben suspected fans would subconsciously identify him.
“I don’t know if when you see the building and hear his voice you necessarily think immediately that is Keanu,” he said. “But then I think you have just this innate sort of feeling.”
Ben wasn’t the only one seeking an actor with a pillowy voice, as the show’s creator, Dan Erickson, also echoed a similar sentiment.
"We always wanted it to be somebody that people have certain associations with, but also, it had to be a very warm presence,” he said in a January interview. “The Lumon building is very friendly in the context of this video, and there’s a friendliness to that particular voice and a heart to that particular voice.”
Why do people like these cameos? They're surprising and fun. Seeing a politician in a new light can be entertaining.
Putting politicians in shows can be tricky. Some people might not like it. But it can also bring in viewers.
"Severance" has made a big splash. It could change how we think about TV shows. Its themes will stick with viewers for a long time.
Ben Stiller's idea to get Barack Obama on "Severance" shows how creative he is. The show asks big questions, and it's fun to think about what could have been. "Severance" is important, and what it does next should be interesting.
