Ben Stiller has revealed that he was initially going to play a character inSeveranceseason 1, but it never came to be. As an actor, Stiller developed a reputation for slapstick comedy through movies likeThere’s Something About Mary(1998), Zoolander, andTropic Thunder(2008). WithSeverance, however, he took a back seat, serving as director and executive producer for both massively popular seasons. This off-screen role has served Stiller well, but ahead ofSeveranceseason 3, he has now revealed that he very nearly played an actual character in season 1.
In aninterview withVariety, Stiller andSeverancestar Adam Scott discussed the series' success and how it might have turned out differently had some alternate creative decisions been made during the early stages of development. They ultimately revealed thatStiller was initially meant to play a doctor character inSeveranceseason 1, but the idea was scrapped. Stiller and Scott provided no additional details about how this doctor would have fit in with theSeveranceseason 1 plot, but the director noted that he was “very happy” that he didn’t end up an official cast member:
“We talked about it. There was a storyline that we were thinking about, but it just didn’t feel right. It’s great that I’m not in it. I’m very happy to not have my face on the billboard.”
What Ben Stiller’s Doctor Role Would’ve Meant For Severance Season 1
How The Severance Director Might Have Fit Into The Story
There are a couple of existing doctorcharacters inSeverance’s two seasons. Actors Robby Benson and Sandra Bernhard played a couple of memorable ones in season 2, both of whom were involved with the intensive experiments performed on Dichen Lachman’s Gemma Scout. There was also Dr. Asal Reghabi (Karen Aldridge), who has been attempting to reintegrate Lumon’s severed employees from behind the scenes.
Judging by all these characters,it’s likely that Stiller’sSeveranceseason 1 character would have been a doctor for Lumon. He might have been one of the surgeons who performed the severance procedure, or someone who joined Reghabi in her fight against the whole conspiracy. It’s also possible thatSeveranceseason 1 was initially supposed to include a plotline about Mark and Gemma’s failed attempts to conceive, and this might have included Stiller’s cut character. Regardless, it never came to be, and that is likely for the best.
Our Take On Ben Stiller’s Cut Severance Character
It’s Likely For The Best
Leading up to the release ofSeverance, Stiller’s work on the project was a significant headline. We were all intrigued about what the comedy actor would bring to the screen from behind the scenes, butan actual appearance, especially in a more comedic role, would have been an added draw. Still, the product that Stiller offered up didn’t disappoint.Severanceseason 1 is perfect as is, and season 2 was a near-perfect follow-up. If Stiller andSeveranceshowrunner Dan Erickson felt it best to cut this early story, I have to trust their judgment.
