Ben Stiller Discusses ‘Severance’ Finale at SXSW
During a lively discussion at South by Southwest, audience members, alongside Apple executive Eddy Cue, sought insights from Ben Stiller regarding the finale of Severance. Despite their efforts, Stiller refrained from divulging specific plot details but shared fascinating behind-the-scenes anecdotes about a striking stunt at Grand Central Station.
Behind the Grand Central Station Stunt
Stiller revealed, “The idea was to create something akin to a performance art piece — placing a cube in Grand Central during rush hour, with actors inside portraying their office roles.” Initially conceived with cosplaying actors, the plan evolved when Adam Scott advocated for the actual cast to immerse themselves in this unique experience.
For those unfamiliar, Apple TV+ recently crafted a buzzworthy promotion to hype Severance‘s return in January. They constructed a soundproof glass box in Manhattan’s bustling train station, showcasing Scott, Britt Lower, John Turturro, and Zach Cherry as they interacted in a replica of their show’s outdated office environment. Patricia Arquette and Tramell Tillman, playing supervisors in the series, roamed the area, enhancing the authenticity of the bizarre corporate culture depicted at the fictional Lumen Industries.
Fan Reactions and Season Two Hints
The public’s response was overwhelmingly positive, signaling a spike in the show’s popularity as it approaches its second season — a trend confirmed by recent viewing statistics.
Stiller noted, “The cast’s commitment to the experience transformed it into something truly special.” He emphasized the necessity for the actors to engage for a minimum of three hours, allowing viewers to discover the performance in real time.
Industry Insights and a Touch of Humor
Amidst the conversation focused on Severance, Stiller and Cue explored broader shifts within the entertainment industry. Stiller humorously touched on reports surrounding the series’ budget, quipping about Apple’s financial standing. “How is Apple doing? Sometimes I worry,” he jested to Cue, who responded, “It’s a competitive world, but we’re doing alright.”
Stiller playfully pushed further, saying, “If we exceed our budget, I worry for you,” prompting laughter from the audience.
A Director’s Perspective
Having directed 11 out of the 19 completed episodes of Severance, Stiller confessed to grappling with the often intense online discussions surrounding the series’ plot intricacies. “Engaging with feedback can be precarious,” he admitted. “I often turn off podcasts once I hear criticism about any episode.”
This admission resonated with the audience, along with his lighthearted assurance that “No goats were harmed in the making of this show.” Stiller’s keen wit even extended to commentary about recent developments within streaming platforms, specifically referencing the fate of Showtime. “I wonder what’s going on with Showtime — do they even exist?”
To which Cue replied, “They do; they’re part of Paramount+.” This exchange received hearty laughter, especially among festival attendees carrying the sponsor’s tote bags.
For more details on Ben Stiller’s insights and the latest happenings in the world of entertainment, check out the full article here.