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Former President Barack Obama was considered for a role at Lumon Industries.
Severance executive producer Ben Stiller shared during Monday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live that he had reached out to Obama about lending his voice for a character in the popular Apple TV+ series. Stiller envisioned Obama providing the voice for the animated building in the Lumon is Listening video from season 2, episode 1. Ultimately, the part went to Keanu Reeves, but Stiller disclosed that Obama was the first choice for the role.
“There was one person that I asked before [Keanu Reeves], and he said no: President Barack Obama,” Stiller recounted.
Stiller, who plays a key role as Severance’s director, explained how he sent the request to Obama through email.
“I didn’t ask him face-to-face. I knew someone who was connected to his lawyer, and the lawyer said they could pass along my request if I wrote an email,” Stiller elaborated to Jimmy Kimmel. “So I composed an email saying something like, ‘Hey, we have this show,’ and within two days, I received a response from President Obama saying, ‘Hey Ben. Big fan of the show. Loved season 1. Excited for season 2. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll have the time to make this happen.’”
Stiller humorously noted, “What could possibly take precedence over voicing an animated building in Severance?” Nonetheless, he acknowledged that it was “pretty cool” that Obama took the time to respond.
Severance is in the midst of its second season, which has garnered widespread acclaim. The latest episode, Chikhai Bardo, received high praise for Jessica Lee Gagné’s direction and Dichen Lachman’s performance.
The eighth episode of Severance season 2 is set to premiere on March 7, 2025, on Apple TV+.
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