LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Severance” has garnered adoration from both critics and audiences. However, there was a time when star Adam Scott and Ben Stiller, the executive producer and director of the Apple TV+ series, were concerned that the show might never come to fruition. The series, a dark and surrealist commentary on our work-obsessed culture, was not a guaranteed hit, and the production of its first season was scheduled to begin in March 2020. However, the onset of lockdowns disrupted those plans.
After enduring a pandemic, two historic Hollywood strikes, and a three-year gap between Seasons 1 and 2, Apple TV+ announced a third season on Friday following the release of the second season’s finale. Scott and Stiller sat down with The Associated Press for an interview ahead of the announcement. The conversation has been condensed for clarity.
AP: Adam, did you find it challenging to resume your character after such a long hiatus?
SCOTT: It’s interesting because I feel like I was continuously engaged with the character throughout the break. Whether it was discussing the character and the show during press engagements or having conversations with Ben and Dan (Erickson, the show’s creator), the character was always on my mind. By the time we went back to filming, I felt well-prepared and ready to jump back in. However, the character evolves in intriguing ways, similar to the show itself, which presented its own challenges.
AP: With a significant gap between seasons, did the storyline or your approach to Season 2 change from your initial plans?
STILLER: The process is always evolving. This was true for Season 1 and Season 2 as well. While the show has specific elements we focus on, our approach remains fluid. We constantly assess our progress, review footage, and make adjustments throughout the entire production process. This scrutiny continues until the final stages like sound mixing.
AP: What was the impact of the strike on filming Season 2?
STILLER: We commenced filming in October 2022 and had completed seven episodes before the strike halted production. Following the strike, we regrouped to shoot the remaining three episodes. While we occasionally reshoot scenes or incorporate new ideas, this flexibility is part of our show-making process. Delays like the strike allowed for additional script development and fine-tuning during the editing phase.
SCOTT: Throughout these disruptions, we were able to adapt and refine the show, ensuring that it continued to evolve in exciting ways.
Naturally, we fully supported the strikes, along with the writers and actors. However, when it came to this specific show, we were faced with the decision to temporarily close down production and wait for a possible return. Eventually, as Ben mentioned, this break turned out to be beneficial in the long term. When asked if there were concerns about Season 2 not happening, I never doubted it. I believed we had already filmed enough to see the project through to completion. During Season 1, there was a moment when starting up was challenging due to COVID, and I briefly questioned if the show would continue given the widespread production shutdowns at that time. Throughout the pandemic, particularly during the stay-at-home period, I frequently checked in with Ben, Nicky Weinstock, and other producers to confirm if the show was still on track. At one point, I had doubts about whether the show would actually come to fruition.
