Ben Stiller, the driving force behind the first two seasons of Severance, will not direct any episodes in the upcoming third season. The acclaimed actor and filmmaker is shifting his focus to other projects, leaving the Apple TV+ series in the hands of showrunner Dan Erickson and the writing team.
Why Stiller is Stepping Away
In a recent interview, Stiller explained that time has become a pressing factor in his decision. “The clock is ticking,” he said, acknowledging his upcoming 60th birthday. For him, stepping back from Severance means making space for new creative challenges. Despite not directing, he remains deeply involved as an executive producer.
Stiller’s Legacy on Severance
Stiller directed 11 episodes across the first two seasons, including both premieres and finales. His work earned him two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, solidifying his influence on the show’s tone and visual style. Fans can expect continuity, as the creative team has already mapped out season three with his input.
Future Projects on the Horizon
While stepping back from Severance, Stiller is diving into ambitious new projects. His upcoming work includes a war film about an airman trapped in Nazi-occupied France who becomes involved with the French Resistance. He is also exploring a film adaptation of the podcast Bag Man, which investigates the Spiro Agnew bribery scandal.
What This Means for Severance
Although Stiller won’t be behind the camera this season, his presence remains central to the series. With a strong creative foundation already in place, fans can expect season three to maintain the quality and intrigue that made Severance one of Apple TV+’s standout originals.
