Trivia / Severance (2022)

• Actor-Inspired Element: Zach Cherry developed a flair for working the MDR computers, which are functional props, leading to Dylan's characterization as being the best on the team and really wanting the perks success at refining brings.
• Inspiration for the Work: In his Reddit AMA, creator Dan Erickson names several influences including The Backrooms, The Truman Show, No Exit, and even The Incredibles.
• Permanent Placeholder: Ben Stiller recorded a temporary voice track for the animation that plays after Helly completes a data refinement with the thought that someone else would loop it later. His version ended up being used in the final product.
• Playing Against Type:
  • Cast members Adam Scott and Zach Cherry are more known for their roles in comedic works, such as Parks and Recreation and Duncanville respectively. Likewise, series director Ben Stiller is more famous for comedic films such as Zoolander and Tropic Thunder.
  • Christopher Walken and John Turturro are both famous for playing eccentric Large Hams, but here they play sweet old men who fall in love like teenagers having their first crushes.
• Troubled Production:
  • The show was hit with multiple COVID-related shutdowns that delayed production by about a year. The first was especially worrisome because they missed their winter shooting window, but they'd intended to make winter imagery a large part of the show's visual symbolism. Fortuitously, another shutdown caused a delay long enough that shooting could occur in January, providing the wintry scenery necessary. On the plus side, the delays gave the writers enough time to finish all nine scripts and create a stronger, more cohesive arc in advance.
  • The show's second season endured a lengthy production delay, with work pausing in April of 2023 due to rumored animosity between its two showrunners, the budget ballooning to $20 million per episode, and both the Writer's Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild going on strike. Production didn't resume until January of 2024. Ben Stiller had to reassure fans that the show would continue and pointed out that Apple had already ordered a third season.
• Voice-Only Cameo: Ben Stiller voices the animation that rewards Helly after she succeeds.

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