Ben Stiller revealed he attempted to recruit former President Barack Obama for a voiceover role in the second season of Apple TV+'s hit series "Severance" before ultimately casting Keanu Reeves.
During his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on March 3, Stiller shared that he pursued Obama through an indirect connection. "I knew someone who knew his lawyer," the director explained, detailing how he crafted an email pitch for the unique cameo opportunity.
The former president's response came swiftly. Obama, a self-proclaimed fan of the show, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season but declined the offer due to scheduling constraints. "What's more important than doing the voiceover for the animated building in Severance?" Stiller joked about Obama's polite rejection.
The role eventually went to Keanu Reeves, who voices the narrator in a "Lumon Is Listening" video shown to the Macrodata Refiners. Stiller praised Reeves' performance, noting his "warm, inviting voice" brought the perfect tone to the character.
Show creator Dan Erickson supported the final casting choice, explaining they sought someone who could project both familiarity and warmth. "The Lumon building is very friendly in the context of this video, and there's a friendliness to that particular voice and a heart to that particular voice," Erickson told Collider.
While Obama's participation remained an unfulfilled wish, Stiller expressed gratitude for the former president's personal response and maintained his satisfaction with Reeves' contribution to the series.