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Ben Stiller and the Cast of “Severance” Discuss Season Two Finale at Paley Fest 2025

At the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, a sea of 3,300 fans eager to celebrate the conclusion of season two came together on March 21. Director and executive producer Ben Stiller expressed his deep appreciation for the audience experience, marking it as a highlight of his journey with Severance.

The screening of the episode “Cold Harbor” held significant weight as it marked the first theatrical presentation of the series since its debut, which occurred amidst the struggles of the Covid-19 pandemic. Enthusiasm permeated the event, with Paley Fest 2025 witnessing a full house, showcasing television’s finest ahead of the Emmy season.

Following the episode, comedian Ben Schwartz facilitated a lively Q&A session with Stiller, creator Dan Erickson, and the talented cast, which included Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, Britt Lower, Zach Cherry, Jen Tullock, Dichen Lachman, Tramell Tillman, Michael Chernus, Sarah Bock, Darri Ólafsson, and Gwendoline Christie. The discussion bristled with revealing insights and spoilers, delving into the show’s themes of identity and the ethical implications of dividing one’s work persona from their true self.

The event kicked off with a characteristic flourish that reflected the show’s quirky narrative style. Much to the audience’s amusement, Tillman, who portrays the fervently dedicated severed floor manager Seth Milchick, was initially absent from the stage. Stiller humorously speculated that Tillman likely needed a moment to transition from character to actor. True to his word, Tillman burst onto the stage accompanied by a marching band, echoing a memorable moment from the finale.

As the theories surrounding Severance have flourished during its sophomore season, fans have become increasingly intrigued by the duality of “innies” (one’s work self) and “outies” (one’s personal self), alongside the enigmatic functions of the corporation Lumon and the bizarre goat farm situated within its premises. The intense speculation leading up to the finale was palpable, with many viewers dissecting every detail for hints. Erickson, while playful about keeping secrets, shared anecdotes about his humble beginnings, crafting the pilot under less-than-ideal conditions, inspiring budding creatives in the audience.

During the discussion, Arquette, despite her co-producer role, admitted that she, too, was not privy to all the details concerning her character, Harmony Cobel. She confirmed that while her backstory received some exploration, she wouldn’t betray the plot’s secrets: “In real life I try to be very honest,” she quipped, “but with this character, I will lie, cheat, and steal.” Such comments reveal the delicate balancing act the cast maintains between their off-screen identities and their roles within the series’ complex narrative.

The show’s exploration of the divide between innies and outies has heightened the ethical dilemmas presented in its storytelling. This complex theme culminated in the finale, during which Mark Scout’s struggle to save his wife Gemma poses questions about individual identity versus function. Scott recounted the pressure of filming a pivotal scene where Mark converses with his innie through video, emphasizing the necessity for a fluid dialogue.

This season saw the introduction of new characters like Ólafsson’s Mr. Drummond and Christie’s intriguing Lorne, responsible for the peculiar goat farm. Ólafsson noted the challenges of embodying a character who dehumanizes the severed employees, reflecting on the intense scenes that pushed the boundaries of their interactions. He candidly expressed discomfort when filming a particularly rough scene with Scott, showcasing the physical demands of the role.

Christie shared her reluctance to engage in combat roles post-Game of Thrones, but could not resist joining her favorite show, attributing her love for Severance to its inventive storytelling and profound themes. While she enjoyed her role, she humorously admitted to lacking the answers to plot mysteries—even the goat farm’s purpose remained elusive to her, a sentiment echoed frequently among fans drawn to the show’s enigmatic narrative.

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