The Daily 'The Interview': Ben Stiller on 'Severance,' Selling Out and Being Jewish Today
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Jan 11, 2025 
Ben Stiller, the celebrated actor and director known for his comedic genius, shares insights on his role in the much-anticipated second season of 'Severance.' He discusses balancing comedy and drama while reflecting on personal and artistic growth shaped by his storied family legacy. Stiller dives into the themes of ambition and identity, particularly within the context of Jewish experiences in Hollywood. He also explores the evolution of comedy, highlighting the challenge of maintaining humor in modern storytelling. It's a deep, entertaining look behind the scenes!
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Severance's comedic roots
- Ben Stiller finds humor in specificity, exemplified by the workplace comedy aspects of Severance.
- The show's second season explores stranger themes while maintaining its core premise of employees grappling with their opaque job.
Creative process of Severance
- Making Severance was a learning process over five years, involving creative discussions about the show's direction.
- Stiller believes the show's uniqueness stems from the diverse creative perspectives of the people involved.
Reflecting on past success
- Stiller reflects on his string of 2000s comedy hits, acknowledging a zeitgeist he wasn't consciously analyzing at the time.
- He focused on navigating the moment rather than overthinking his perceived persona or audience response.