A Surprising Invite: Barack Obama Almost Joined Severance
The world of television is full of surprises, and sometimes, those surprises come from the most unexpected places. In a recent revelation, Ben Stiller, the executive producer and director of the Emmy-winning Apple TV+ drama Severance, shared a fascinating story about an A-list guest who almost joined the show. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Monday night, Stiller disclosed that he had once extended an invitation to none other than former President Barack Obama to appear on the series. While the offer was declined, the story itself is a captivating glimpse into the creative process of bringing high-profile talent to the screen.
Ben Stiller’s Unexpected Ask: Barack Obama on Severance
Stiller, known for his work in comedy classics like Zoolander and his role as a director and producer on Severance, revealed that he had reached out to Obama through a mutual friend who is acquainted with the former President’s lawyer. The invitation was to have Obama lend his voice to a unique role in the show—a fact that left both the audience and Jimmy Kimmel in awe. “There was one person that I asked before [Keanu Reeves], and he said no: President Barack Obama,” Stiller shared with a chuckle. The exchange between Stiller and Obama, as described, went as follows:
Stiller sent the offer through his friend, and two days later, he received an email directly from Obama. The former President wrote, “Hey Ben, big fan of the show, love Season 1, can’t wait for Season 2. Don’t think I have time in my schedule to make this happen.” While Obama politely declined the invitation, his response was warm and gracious, showing admiration for the series. Stiller, clearly impressed by the exchange, quipped on the show, “What’s more important than doing the voice-over for the animated building in Severance?” He also added, “It was pretty cool that he responded.”
The Role That Almost Went to Obama: A Voice for Lumon
For those unfamiliar with Severance, the show is a sci-fi thriller that follows a group of employees at Lumon, a mysterious and cult-like biotech company. The series, now in its second season, has garnered critical acclaim for its eerie atmosphere, thought-provoking themes, and stellar performances from its cast, including Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, and Britt Lower. At the beginning of Season 2, the characters are shown an animated video titled “Lumon is Listening,” which serves as a welcoming message from their sinister manager, Seth Milchick (played by Trammell Tillman). The video personifies the Lumon building, giving it a friendly yet unsettling personality.
The role that Stiller offered to Obama was to voice this animated Lumon building in the video. While Obama declined, the part ultimately went to Keanu Reeves, who provided an uncredited vocal cameo for the episode. According to Severance creator Dan Erickson, the team had always envisioned a voice that would carry a sense of warmth and familiarity. “We always wanted it to be somebody that people have certain associations with, but also, it had to be a very warm presence,” Erickson explained in an interview with Collider. “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 Barack Obama? The Symbolism Behind the Casting Choice
The idea of casting someone like Barack Obama for this role may seem unconventional at first glance, but it speaks volumes about the vision of the show’s creators. Obama, as a former President, carries a certain weight of authority and trustworthiness, which could have added a layer of depth to the role of the Lumon building’s voice. Moreover, his voice, known for its calm and reassuring tone, would have perfectly complemented the eerie yet inviting nature of the animated building. The choice also reflects the show’s penchant for blending the familiar with the unknown, creating a sense of comfort that slowly unravels into unease.
However, it’s also worth considering why Obama might have declined the offer. Given his post-presidency commitments, including his work in public speaking, writing, and activism, it’s understandable that his schedule would be bustling. Additionally, while Obama has made occasional appearances in media and entertainment—such as his cameos in The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon or his podcast collaborations—it’s rare for him to take on roles in scripted series. His decision to decline, while disappointing for fans of the show, also highlights his selectivity in choosing projects that align with his post-presidential goals.
Keanu Reeves: The Perfect Alternative
Although Obama’s involvement didn’t materialize, the role found a worthy substitute in Keanu Reeves. Reeves, known for his versatility as an actor and his distinctive voice, brought the perfect blend of warmth and mystery to the animated Lumon building. His cameo in the video added an unexpected layer to the episode, delighting both fans of the show and Reeves alike. The casting choice also underscores the show’s ability to attract high-profile talent, a testament to its growing popularity and critical acclaim.
A Heartwarming Exchange: The Implications of Obama’s Response
While the story of Obama’s almost-cameo in Severance is undeniably entertaining, it also speaks to a deeper aspect of the creative process. The exchange between Stiller and Obama, though brief, highlights the respect and admiration that exists between public figures and the entertainment industry. The fact that Obama took the time to respond personally to Stiller’s offer, despite declining it, speaks to his character and graciousness. It’s a reminder that even in the high-stakes world of politics and entertainment, genuine connections and interactions can happen in the most unexpected ways.
Moreover, Obama’s response serves as a testament to the quality of Severance as a series. That a former President would not only watch the show but also express enthusiasm for it is a significant endorsement. It speaks to the show’s ability to transcend genres and resonate with a wide audience, including those outside the typical demographic for sci-fi thrillers. For fans of the series, this anecdote adds another layer of intrigue, igniting curiosity about what could have been and who else might make a future appearance on the show.
Conclusion: The Power of Creativity and Celebrity Culture
The story of Barack Obama’s near-cameo in Severance is a delightful blend of Hollywood intrigue, creative vision, and a touch of humor. It offers a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of bringing a show to life and the challenges of securing high-profile talent. While Obama’s involvement didn’t come to fruition, the exchange between him and Stiller is a heartwarming reminder of the surprising ways in which art and politics can intersect.
For fans of Severance, this anecdote adds another layer of fascination to the show’s already engaging narrative. It also highlights the show’s ambition and willingness to push boundaries, whether through its storytelling or its casting choices. As the series continues to unfold, it will be exciting to see what other surprises the creators have in store—and who else might make an appearance in the world of Lumon. After all, in the words of Ben Stiller, what’s more important than being the voice of an animated building in a sci-fi drama?
