The cast and creators of Apple TV+’s hit series Severance gathered in Hollywood on Saturday evening, March 22, 2025, for the Deadline X Apple TV+ Severance For Your Consideration (FYC) Event, revealing fascinating insights about the show’s second season during a panel held at the DGA Theater.
Creator Dan Erickson, director and executive producer Ben Stiller, and cast members including Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, Patricia Arquette, Zach Cherry, Dichen Lachman, Jen Tullock, Michael Chernus, Sarah Bock, Gwendoline Christie, and Darri Olafsson participated in a spirited conversation at the event, moderated by Abbott Elementary star and creator Quinta Brunson.
This lively discussion centered around Season 2’s finale episode, which impressively runs for 77 minutes. The excitement surrounding the show heightened when Apple announced on March 21, 2025, that Severance had been renewed for a third season, much to the delight of the fans present.
Brunson kicked off the panel with an intriguing question about the goats featured in the finale. Erickson provided an insightful response, saying, “We saw in this episode that there is a ceremonial, sacrificial component to their existence, and I believe that it was said to guide a cherished woman to Kier’s door. In terms of what that means or if there are other applications for the goats, we’re gonna have to wait.”
Scott, who plays Mark Scout, shared his experience filming a crucial scene where his character converses with his severed half, known as the innie, via a video camera at the Damona Birthing Retreat. He expressed his appreciation for the challenge involved in writing such complex interactions. “It’s a tricky thing to write because there are all these emotional components of it,” he remarked. “But also there has to be novelty to it too. It’s weird for them to be talking to each other.”
Arquette, who plays Harmony Cobel, discussed a significant backstory reveal in Episode 8, where her character emerges as the “genius behind Severance.” She reflected on her character's evolution, noting that early discussions had included her mother’s poisoning and intricate plot elements, even if she didn't know how much her character would ultimately accomplish. “When she says ‘I did everything’ — it’s like you’re breaking up with somebody,” Arquette said, adding, “Did you really do everything? I mean, there were other people also doing some of everything.”
Lower, who portrays Helly R., acknowledged the complexity of her role as a character that exists in duality. She spoke about the emotional weight of her character's backstory, saying, “I think it really rattles her, witnessing the relationships between Mark, Irving, and Dylan and how they treated Helly R. Connections she didn’t earn.” Cherry, who plays Dylan G., praised co-star Merritt Wever for her contribution to his understanding of the character’s split dynamics.
Ben Stiller shared that the production for Season 2 spanned an extensive 186 days, highlighting the commitment required to bring such a complex narrative to life.
In another part of the conversation, Dichen Lachman reflected on her character Gemma Scout and the interweaving storylines in the season. She noted her character's struggle and emotional challenges, and how the dual narrative of Episode 7 provided her a chance to showcase her character comprehensively. Lachman remarked, “It was really emotional. It felt so real that I got caught up in the story.”
The emotional reunion scene between Gemma and Outie Mark, played by Adam Scott, unfolded against high stakes in the finale. “Sometimes, as an actor, you really have to use your craft to get to where you need to get to,” Lachman explained, recalling how the filming day was punctuated by genuine emotional moments as the characters navigated their complicated feelings.
Lachman further elaborated on the challenges of transitioning from her innie character to Gemma. “I decided to make the choice that she doesn’t know [that it’s Innie Mark] at first. But the further away he gets from her, she slowly pieces it together,” she said, reflecting on the intricate dynamics of the scene.
As the cast discussed the possibilities for future storylines, Lachman expressed hope that both the innie and outie romances could have happy endings. “It’s really hard. It’s like you want them to figure out a timeshare or something because they’re all such great characters,” she stated, acknowledging the complexities that make Severance stand out.
The panel concluded with excitement in the air for the upcoming third season, as Stiller assured fans that they would not have to wait three years for the main characters’ reunion.
Both seasons of Severance are currently available for streaming on Apple TV+, inviting viewers to dive into its intriguing and complex world.
