Ben Stiller Asked Obama to Join 'Severance' Season 2 — Here's What He Said

Ben Stiller had high hopes for "Severance" Season 2 — not just for the story, but for a surprising cameo. Before securing Keanu Reeves for a small but memorable voice role, Stiller had his sights set on someone unexpected: former President Barack Obama. The director and executive producer of the hit Apple TV+ series personally reached out in an attempt to get Obama involved.

Though the former president was a fan of the show, he ultimately turned Stiller down. Here's how it all went down.

Ben Stiller's Big Ask

When crafting the second season, Stiller wanted Obama to narrate the "Lumon Is Listening" training video shown in the season's premiere. Rather than reaching out directly, he went through a connection who knew Obama's lawyer.

"His lawyer said I can relay the request if you write an email," Stiller explained during a March 3, 2025, appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" So, he did.

Obama's Response

To Stiller's surprise, Obama personally responded within two days. According to Esquire, the former president's message was polite but firm:

"Hey Ben, big fan of the show. Love season 1, can't wait for season 2. Don't think I have time in my schedule to make this happen."

Laughing about the rejection, Stiller joked, "What's more important than doing the voice-over for the animated building?"

Still, he admitted it was "pretty cool that he responded," according to PEOPLE.

Keanu Reeves Steps In

Though Obama ultimately passed, Stiller found a strong replacement in Keanu Reeves. The "John Wick" star ended up voicing the Lumon Industries building, delivering a performance that Stiller praised.

"He's just like the most warm, inviting voice," Stiller said of Reeves, according to PEOPLE. "I don't know if when you see the building and you hear his voice, you necessarily think immediately that it's Keanu, but then I think you have this just innate feeling."

Obama's involvement would have been a fascinating addition to the show, but "Severance" still delivered a memorable cameo — with an unexpected Hollywood legend stepping in.

References: Ben Stiller Tried to Get Former President Barack Obama Involved in Severance Season 2 — Find Out What He Said! | Severance: Why Barack Obama Was Almost a Character in Season 2