On March 29, 2025, actor and director Ben Stiller shared insights about his role behind the camera in the acclaimed Apple TV+ series Severance. During an appearance on the morning show This Morning, alongside cast members Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, and Adam Scott, Stiller addressed whether he would consider acting in the series, which he both directs and produces.
When co-host Ben Shephard posed the question, "How do you feel about not being in it, you're directing it, you're producing it?" Stiller replied with a smile, "I am incredibly happy not to be in it." His lightheartedness resonated with the audience as he elaborated, "I'm so happy to not have to worry about being in front of the camera with this, because I think they're the most incredible cast." Stiller, who is known for his roles in films like Meet The Fockers, emphasized that his focus is on directing and producing, stating, "For me, as a producer and a director on the show, I had my hands full doing that. I love doing that and, I don't have to shave every day," he joked, eliciting laughter from the studio.
However, the enthusiasm for Stiller's potential return to acting was palpable among the cast. Adam Scott, who portrays Mark Scout, the lead character in Severance, expressed the cast's eagerness for Stiller to take on a role in the upcoming third season. "We think Ben should play a role in season three," Scott exclaimed, prompting giggles from his co-stars. While Stiller initially remained noncommittal, he did reveal that he had previously lent his voice to a character in the first season. "I did do the remote control, and I did do one voice the first season just on a video screen," he mentioned.
Stiller's comments come as Severance continues to gain traction as a top-rated series, exploring complex themes of identity and memory. The show, which features a dystopian premise where employees have their memories surgically separated between work and personal lives, has captivated audiences and critics alike.
Meanwhile, Dichen Lachman, who plays the enigmatic Ms. Casey, recently discussed her character's evolution in the second season. In an interview, she revealed that her character, initially thought to be a mere employee, is actually Gemma Scout, Mark's wife, who was believed to have died in a car crash. This revelation has significant implications for the show's narrative, as Gemma's character is pivotal to the unfolding mystery.
Lachman expressed her thoughts on the show's deeper themes, particularly the question of what parts of ourselves we are willing to surrender for comfort or productivity. "Severance really taps into that eerie possibility of segmenting our pain or trauma and whether doing so is freedom or just another kind of prison," she reflected. This philosophical exploration resonates with viewers, prompting them to consider their own identities and the nature of their existence.
As the season finale approached, Lachman noted the emotional weight of her character's journey, stating, "I felt honored to carry that arc forward." She described Ms. Casey and Gemma as fragments of the same soul, separated yet yearning to reconnect. Drawing inspiration from psychologists like Carl Jung and spiritual teachers like Eckhart Tolle, Lachman crafted her performance to reflect the complexities of her character's duality.
The finale left audiences on the edge of their seats, with Mark rescuing Gemma from Lumon's testing floor, only to leave her behind in a moment of tension. Lachman’s portrayal of the character's grief and confusion has been widely praised, with many fans calling for recognition at award ceremonies.
As Severance continues to explore its intricate narrative, viewers are left pondering the implications of its themes. Lachman, when asked about her character's fate in the future, playfully suggested, "Maybe she opens up a flower shop… but seriously, I will continue to live in the unknown and just stay excited. I trust that Dan Erickson will do an incredible job." This sentiment reflects the show's ability to keep fans engaged and speculating about future developments.
With Stiller firmly behind the camera and Lachman delivering a standout performance, Severance remains a hallmark of innovative storytelling in television. As the series gears up for its third season, anticipation builds around the potential for new character arcs and the exploration of even more profound themes.
In a world where work-life balance is increasingly blurred, Severance serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the human condition. The blend of dark humor, suspense, and philosophical inquiry has solidified its place as a must-watch series, resonating with audiences who appreciate its depth and complexity.
As fans eagerly await news of the third season, the show's creators and cast remain committed to pushing boundaries and challenging viewers to reflect on their own lives. With each episode, Severance invites audiences into a world that is both familiar and unsettling, prompting them to question the very nature of their existence.
With Stiller's direction and Lachman's compelling performance, the future of Severance looks bright, promising more twists and turns that will keep viewers guessing and engaged.
