Good One: A Podcast About Jokes Ben Stiller Explains Severance’s Early Days, Mysteries & "Weird" Tone, Talks Happy Gilmore 2
Aug 7, 2025
Ben Stiller, the iconic comedy superstar known for roles in Zoolander and Tropic Thunder, discusses his dynamic transition to directing with Severance. He reveals intriguing insights about the series' unique tone, mixing dark humor with emotional depth. Stiller also teases his anticipation for Happy Gilmore 2, reflecting on the complexities of evolving comedy. He compares the creative processes behind Severance and other films, sharing personal anecdotes and the challenges of character development while balancing an office setting with innovative filming techniques.
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Reuniting on Happy Gilmore 2
- Ben Stiller rejoined Adam Sandler to reprise his character in Happy Gilmore 2 after about 30 years.
- The experience was emotional and joyful, reminding him of their long-lasting friendship and careers.
Severance’s Unique Tone Blend
- Severance’s tone combines a familiar workplace comedy banter with an unsettling weirdness.
- This blend creates a unique world that's grounded yet strange, sparked directly from the original script.
Finding Severance’s Tone with Patricia
- Patricia Arquette initially struggled with the robot-like tone of her character on Severance.
- Through multiple reshoots and experimentation during COVID delays, she and Ben Stiller found the right subdued, nuanced performance.
