In the competitive landscape of television, the casting of a show can make or break its success. ‘Severance,’ with its unique premise and stellar performances, has captured the attention of audiences and critics alike. Let’s delve into how this Apple TV+ series assembled its Emmy-worthy cast.
How ‘Severance’ Assembled Its Emmy-Worthy Cast
With Ben Stiller at the helm and a plethora of Emmy nominations for its first season, it’s no surprise that the Severance team was inundated with actors eager to join the cast. “We received numerous calls from actors wanting to be part of the show,” says the show’s casting director, Rachel Tenner. However, many of those inquiries resulted in polite declines. “Unfortunately, it just doesn’t creatively work.”
A Collaborative Approach
Tenner, who has collaborated with Stiller for over a decade, beginning with the pre-production of 2013’s The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, is nominated for her second Emmy for casting the acclaimed Apple TV+ series. She commends Stiller and show creator Dan Erickson for their collaborative spirit. “Creatively, we’re in sync. Whatever crazy idea I might have, I at least get my day in court,” Tenner shares, adding, “Ben is incredibly supportive of actors and the acting process. He loves discovering new talent, often preferring lesser-known actors.”
Spotlighting New Talent
This approach was evident in Season 1, where they cast relatively unknown actors like Britt Lower (Helena Eagan), Zach Cherry (Dylan George), and Tramell Tillman (Seth Milchick) alongside a star-studded ensemble featuring Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, and Christopher Walken. While the latter trio received Emmy nominations for Season 1, Lower, Cherry, and Tillman have also made a mark in Season 2, earning nominations this year.
Embracing the Unexpected
“It’s thrilling to cast actors based solely on the pilot episode, not knowing where their journey will lead,” Tenner explains. “They’ve proven to be as brilliant as we anticipated, showcasing new facets of their talent.” Season 2 introduced several notable additions, including Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (Mr. Drummond) and Sarah Bock (Miss Huang), alongside established actors like Gwendoline Christie (Lorne), Merritt Wever (Gretchen George), and Jane Alexander (Sissy Cobel), all of whom received guest-acting Emmy nominations.
Choosing the Right Fit
Regarding previous Emmy winners like Alexander and Wever, Tenner remarks, “You’re just fortunate when someone agrees to join.” Christie was particularly enthusiastic about the show, which influenced the casting decision. Tenner and Stiller enjoy surprising the audience by casting against type. “We seek out actors who feel out-of-the-box, but not just for the sake of being unconventional,” she clarifies. “We want to ensure no one detracts from the scene.”
Finding Unique Roles
For Episode 7 of Season 2, which explored the multiple severed personalities of Gemma Scout (Dichen Lachman), Tenner and the episode’s director, along with the show’s cinematographer Jessica Lee Gagné, had to find the right actors for key roles, including the unnamed nurse and the sinister Dr. Mauer.
“It was challenging to determine the nurse’s character. We wanted to avoid clichés and ensure she was neither overly friendly nor threatening,” Tenner recalls. “Ultimately, we knew Sandra Bernhard was the perfect fit.”
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The role of Dr. Mauer went to Robby Benson, whose diverse career began as a teen idol and included voicing the Beast in Beauty and the Beast. Benson’s audition tape impressed the producers, showcasing his suitability for the role.
“Robby created an exceptional tape. Ben and I were both excited about having him on board,” Tenner adds.
Interestingly, Tenner had no role in casting one of her favorite Season 2 additions: the goats. “I love animals, and I asked Ben for a video from the shoot featuring the goats,” she laughs.
Watch Tenner and Gagné share more behind-the-scenes insights about Severance Season 2 in Gold Derby’s exclusive interview:
