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Apple TV+’s Severance is proving to be a massive success, and its second season has already shattered records. As part of the show’s continued success, Ben Stiller, the show’s director and executive producer, made a guest appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. During this interview, Stiller shared a fascinating tidbit about the show’s guest casting process: former President Barack Obama was once approached to voice a character in the season two premiere.
In a surprising revelation, Stiller disclosed that he reached out to Obama via email, offering him a role in Severance. This character, a talking Lumon building featured in a stop-motion propaganda video, was ultimately voiced by Keanu Reeves. However, Obama’s response to Stiller’s email wasn’t the enthusiastic “yes” that Stiller might have hoped for.
The Email That Almost Made History
In the season two premiere of Severance, viewers are introduced to an animated Lumon building in a quirky stop-motion propaganda video. Initially, Keanu Reeves was revealed to be the voice behind the building. However, Stiller shared that before Reeves was confirmed for the role, he actually reached out to President Barack Obama, hoping to land a surprise cameo.
Stiller detailed how he emailed the former president through his lawyer, expecting little more than a polite response. To his surprise, Obama replied personally, 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.” While Obama’s schedule ultimately didn’t allow him to take on the role, Stiller remarked that it would have been quite the coup for Severance to have Obama lend his voice to the series, even for a small part.
What
Though Obama’s response was gracious, it’s clear that the former president’s schedule was too packed for him to contribute to the show. Still, the idea of having a political figure like Obama voice a fictional character on a hit television series would have been a historic moment for the show’s legacy. Even though the role was small, it would have served as a testament to Severance’s cultural relevance, attracting even more viewers with the involvement of a global figure like Obama.
Interestingly, Stiller joked that while Obama had other priorities, it’s fun to think that Obama, like many others, is keeping up with the Severance saga. Who knows? Maybe Obama will find some time for a cameo in the third season of Severance, which is already in development. Fans can only hope!
What Undercode Say:
Severance has quickly become one of the most talked-about shows on Apple TV+, and with its impressive success, it’s no surprise that the show is attracting attention from high-profile figures. The fact that Ben Stiller reached out to Barack Obama for a guest role speaks volumes about how influential the series has become. Even though Obama ultimately couldn’t participate, his response shows how much the show resonates with people from all walks of life, including those in the highest echelons of power.
The concept of Obama voicing the animated Lumon building seems quirky but fitting for Severance. The series, known for its surreal tone and darkly comedic take on corporate culture, would have been the perfect fit for a cameo by a larger-than-life figure like Obama. However, the fact that Obama declined the offer isn’t surprising—his schedule is notoriously tight, and he likely has a number of more pressing matters on his plate.
What makes this revelation more intriguing is the insight it offers into the world of television production. Severance is known for its high-profile cast, stellar performances, and creative direction, but the fact that Stiller even thought to approach someone like Obama for a voice role demonstrates the ambition behind the series. It also reinforces the notion that Severance is tapping into a cultural zeitgeist, pulling in influential figures who are genuinely engaged with the show.
There’s also an interesting angle here about the nature of celebrity cameos in television. While it’s common for shows to feature big-name stars in cameos, it’s rare to see someone of Obama’s stature being approached for something as niche as voicing an animated character. This could have been a game-changing moment for the series, adding an extra layer of intrigue for viewers who may not normally watch Severance.
At the end of the day, the interaction between Stiller and Obama adds a fun behind-the-scenes story to the growing lore of Severance. It’s an example of how television, even at its highest level, continues to blur the lines between entertainment and real-world influence, merging politics and pop culture in surprising ways. Perhaps Obama will find time for a future cameo, but for now, it’s clear that Severance is continuing to make waves.
Fact Checker Results:
- The claim about Barack Obama being contacted for a guest role is accurate, as confirmed by Ben Stiller’s interview.
- Keanu Reeves ultimately voiced the Lumon building in season two, not Barack Obama.
- The idea of a surprise Obama cameo reflects the ongoing cultural relevance of Severance.
References:
Reported By: https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/04/severance-tried-to-get-barack-obama-for-role-that-ultimately-went-to-keanu-reeves/
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