Ben Stiller, the actor who also serves as the executive producer and main director of the successful Apple TV+ series “Severance,” has disclosed that former President Barack Obama was his first choice for a voice cameo role in the show, a role that was eventually taken by Keanu Reeves.
Stiller made the revelation during the March 3, 2025, episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” He confirmed that it was indeed Reeves who provided the uncredited voiceover for the animated Lumon building in the “Lumon is Listening” segment of the show’s second season opener.
When Kimmel questioned him about the rumors that the voice was Reeves’, Stiller not only corroborated the speculation but also revealed that he initially wanted Obama for the part.
“There was one person that I asked before him and he said no,” Stiller disclosed on the show. “That person was President Barack Obama.”
Stiller further explained that he reached out to Obama through the appropriate channels, namely by sending an email to his lawyer.
Stiller was surprised to receive a personal response from Obama just a couple days later. “Like two days later, I get an email back from Obama saying, ‘Hey Ben, big fan of the show, love Season 1, can’t wait for Season 2. I don’t think I have time in my schedule to make this happen.'”
The timing of Stiller’s request coincided with a busy period for Obama. Filming for the show’s second season started in October 2022, around the same time when Obama was actively participating in the campaign trail for the midterm elections. Throughout 2023, Obama was also involved in various projects for Netflix and Spotify through Higher Ground, the production company he founded with his wife Michelle.
Following Obama’s polite refusal, Stiller turned to Reeves, who agreed to voice the animated Lumon office building in the propaganda video. Stiller noted that Reeves, already a fan of the series, embraced the opportunity with his characteristic professionalism.
Stiller selected Reeves for his “warm and inviting voice,” which was considered a perfect fit for the video’s purpose of comforting the characters within the show. The soothing quality of Reeves’ narration provides an effective counterpoint to the ominous subtext of the corporate messaging.
“Severance,” since its launch, has grown into one of Apple TV+’s most viewed and critically praised series. The show features Adam Scott as Mark Scout, an employee at the enigmatic Lumon Industries where workers undergo a procedure named “severance” that surgically separates their work and personal life memories. The series intermixes elements of office comedy with psychological thriller and science fiction.
Interestingly, Stiller had to push for Scott’s casting in the lead role. Apple TV+ initially had reservations about Scott, known primarily for his comedic roles in shows like “Parks and Recreation.” Stiller, however, felt Scott’s background made him ideal for the show’s unique blend of humor and drama.
The second season of “Severance” continues to delve deeper into the show’s intricate mythology and complex characters. While Obama may not have joined the cast, his admittance of being a fan of the series underscores its broad appeal and cultural significance.
