Barack Obama to be part of Severance Season 2? Here's what director Ben Stiller says

Ben Stiller, the director and executive producer of Severance, thought it was possible to picture Barack Obama speaking through a mysterious animated structure in the series. Ben Stiller revealed on Jimmy Kimmel Live that he had asked the former President Barack Obama to narrate Lumon's puppet propaganda video for the popular series Severance on Apple TV+.

Did Barack Obama nearly join Severance Season 2?

Since the former president had other obligations, he politely rejected the offer. When Ben Stiller asked to be on "Severance," Barack Obama replied via email that while he loves the popular show, he doesn't seem to have any time in his schedule, as per a report by Variety.

Who ended up taking the role?

Keanu Reeves, a Hollywood actor, ultimately took over the role. He lent his voice to the eerie but inviting Lumon propaganda video, which the innies view in the first episode of Season 2.


Stiller, amused but grateful for Obama's response, joked about the missed opportunity on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

What did Barack Obama say to Ben Stiller?

Ben Stiller claimed that he sent the offer to the former president through a friend who is acquainted with Obama's attorney. "Two days later, I get an email back from President Barack Obama," Stiller wrote in response to his email outlining the request, as quoted in a report by Variety.

ALSO READ: Will she or won't she? Ben Affleck still holding out hope for Jennifer Garner reunion, sources say he’d love another chance

Obama wrote, "Hey Ben, big fan of the show, love Season 1, can't wait for Season 2," Stiller recalled. “I don't believe I have enough time in my schedule to accomplish this.”

"What's more important than doing the voice-over for the animated building in 'Severance'?" Stiller then made a joke to Kimmel. "It was pretty cool that he responded," he continued.

Fans instantly recognized the “John Wick” star’s “warm, inviting voice,” as Stiller put it, even though Reeves was not given credit as the voice behind the “Lumon Is Listening” video.

In a previous interview with Collider, Severance creator Dan Erickson stated, "We always wanted it to be somebody that people have certain associations with, but also it had to be a very warm presence."

FAQs

Did Barack Obama turn down a position in Severance?
Even though Barack Obama loved the show, he turned down Stiller's request to voice a character because of his hectic schedule.

Who was Barack Obama's successor in that role in Severance Season 2?
The character was eventually voiced by Keanu Reeves, who gave the eerie Lumon video his unique warmth and nuance.