Ben Stiller first offered Keanu Reeves' Severance role to this icon 

Severance on Apple TV+ had fans in a frenzy when Keanu Reeves made a surprise voice cameo in Season 2. However, director Ben Stiller had another celebrity in mind for the role. On Jimmy Kimmel Live, Stiller shared that he initially asked former U.S. President Barack Obama to take on the part. Although Obama enjoyed the show, he had to say no because of his busy schedule. So, they went with Keanu Reeves instead.

Stiller recounted:

“I get an email back from President Barack Obama, saying, ‘Hey, Ben, big fan of the show, love Season One, can’t wait for Season Two. [I] don’t think I have time in my schedule to make this happen.’”

Stiller was thrilled to get a personal reply from Obama even though he didn't get what he wanted. This unexpected revelation makes the show even more interesting.

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Why was Barack Obama considered for the role?

Stiller's idea to ask Obama to be in the show wasn't that strange. Obama has been in entertainment before, like winning an Emmy for his Netflix show, Our Great National Parks, in 2022. His calm, strong voice would have changed how we saw the weird animated part of Severance.

Stiller told Kimmel that he had a limited list of people who could play the part. The show's themes of big companies being in control, making tough choices, and having work and personal life mix together go with what Obama has talked about before. He cares about workers and making sure work and life are balanced.

So even if it was sad that Obama couldn't be in the show, it helped make room for what Reeves brought to the table.

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How did Keanu Reeves end up in Severance?

After Obama passed on the opportunity, Stiller and Dan Erickson, the creator of Severance, had to look for a new voice. They wanted someone recognisable yet mysterious.

Erickson explained to Collider that they were searching for an actor with whom “people have certain associations,” and who could also be friendly.

He explained:

“The Lumon building is very friendly in the context of this video, and there’s a friendliness to that particular voice.”

Reeves' involvement in Severance comes at a time when he's becoming more known for voice acting. He recently got a lot of attention for being the voice of Shadow the Hedgehog in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

His deep, calm voice and knack for adding feelings to unlikely characters made him perfect for the mysterious animated part of Severance.

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New episodes of Severance air every Friday exclusively on Apple TV+.

Looking forward to the thrilling story? Or maybe the amazing actors? Or just want to hear Keanu Reeves as a talking building? Whatever your reason, Severance Season 2 has you covered.