Adam Scott is well aware of how “Severance” will conclude.
“Yes, absolutely. As an executive producer on the series, I’m deeply involved in every aspect. I frequently discuss with the writers and Dan [Erickson]. I am fully informed about all developments. As an actor, I prefer having as much insight as possible.”
Like fans worldwide, he’s eagerly anticipating Season 3.
“It’s going to be fantastic with many surprises. I’m excited to start filming,” he noted. As previously mentioned, Ben Stiller will not be directing the upcoming season.
“Ben is still heavily involved with the series. It’s going to be excellent. It has been over two years since we wrapped up Season 2. We’re all eager to reunite. We miss each other.”
Scott, who is set to receive the Canal+ Icon Award at Canneseries this week, revealed his strong desire to secure the role.
“I wouldn’t call it a battle, but I definitely had to demonstrate my capability. It was a significant show and a major investment for Apple, so they needed assurance,” he reflected.
“It’s an amazing role in a remarkable universe. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted to do. When I first read the script, I thought: ‘I probably won’t get this job. But if I do, it’s because I’ve been preparing for this over the past 30 years. The chance to be considered for something like this and explore various facets of this character.’
He added, “Fortunately, I only auditioned once. The more you audition, the more likely you are to mess it up.”
After “Parks and Recreation” concluded, he sought a more dramatic role. “I wanted to diversify, but struggled to be seen for roles outside comedy. I pursued ‘Big Little Lies,’ for instance. It was something I truly wanted. I aspired to work with Reese Witherspoon, those actors, and Jean-Marc Vallée. But I had to campaign and audition several times to prove I could handle non-comedic roles.”
“Severance” felt like a comprehensive experience,” he said.
“It felt like navigating a complex character and world – an adventure. Everything I’d done until then fulfilled me, but this felt like a culmination.”
Portraying the transition scenes took time to master. “Switching roles in an elevator could easily appear cheesy. Ben had an ‘elevator set’ on standby, allowing us to practice and perfect the transformation during spare moments.”
“We practiced it hundreds of times to find what worked. I believe it was Ben who suggested the slight flutter of our eyes. I probably did a lot of ridiculous things.”
With many questions still open, “Severance” has developed a “Twin Peaks”-like cult following.
“I adore ‘Twin Peaks’ and how people keep rediscovering it. I can’t say if [‘Severance’] will have a similar cultural impact, but the mystery holds significant power.”
“We strive to maintain an element of mystery on the show. I admired ‘The Sopranos’ ending. It frustrated me, but it was brilliant and remains unsolved for me. I enjoy this mystery in TV, films, and even music. Bands that keep the music-making process mysterious allow my imagination to engage with the work.”
Scott isn’t concerned about being typecast after “Severance.”
“What’s beneficial about a role like Mark is that I’m unsure what could lead to typecasting. And even if it does, it would be entirely worthwhile because I love the show immensely.”
He recently starred in the horror film “Hokum.”
“It’s truly terrifying. As a fan and participant in horror films, I believe they should be good movies first and horror films second. They should stand on their own with intriguing characters and stories, with horror elements being a bonus,” he explained.
“It’s been a while since I led a film released in theaters. I adore it. This is what inspired me to pursue this career: sitting in a dark room with strangers, experiencing something that moves or excites you.”
“Severance” evokes similar feelings in viewers.
“When the show debuted, we were just emerging from the pandemic. People were gradually returning to offices or continuing to work from home, and this new work-life balance felt unusual for many. I believe the show captured those emotions,” he observed.
“With a high-concept show like ‘Severance,’ there must be an emotional connection and relatable characters. Otherwise, it becomes merely interesting but not emotionally engaging.”
He concluded, “If you were offered this technology, would you accept it? Considering this question prompts reflection on your life and starts an intriguing journey.”
