Ben Stiller, the acclaimed director and executive producer behind the Apple TV+ series Severance, has announced he will not be directing any episodes in the upcoming third season. This decision stems from his commitment to other significant projects, including a World War II film and a documentary about his parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Stiller expressed his awareness of time’s passage as he approaches his 60th birthday in November. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing projects that resonate deeply with him. I’m at this point in my life where I’m like, ‘The clock is ticking,’ Stiller remarked. He further elaborated on the challenges of balancing multiple endeavors, noting that as one ages, the realization dawns that time is finite.
Despite stepping away from the director’s chair, Stiller remains deeply involved with Severance. He, along with showrunner Dan Erickson and the writing team, has been meticulously planning the third season to ensure a seamless transition. Stiller’s previous directorial contributions to the series have been substantial, having helmed 11 of the 19 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.
Stiller’s upcoming projects are diverse and ambitious. He is set to direct a film based on the true story of a downed airman in occupied France during World War II and his involvement with the French Resistance. Additionally, he is working on a documentary titled Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost, which delves into the lives and careers of his parents. Stiller is also developing a new HBO series called The Band and is involved in a film adaptation of Rachel Maddow’s podcast Bag Man, which explores the Spiro Agnew bribery scandal. Furthermore, he is set to star in Focker-in-Law, a sequel in the Meet the Parents franchise.
The production timeline for Severance has been notably extensive. Actor Adam Scott revealed that filming the sci-fi thriller is a lengthy process, with season 2 taking 186 days to shoot, and some episodes requiring up to six weeks each. This extended production time makes annual releases unrealistic. As of now, production on season 3 has yet to start, and no official release date has been announced. Fans remain eagerly awaiting more updates and an official release date.
Stiller’s decision to step back from directing Severance season 3 underscores his commitment to exploring new creative avenues while ensuring the series continues to thrive under capable hands. His diverse portfolio of upcoming projects reflects his dedication to storytelling across various mediums.
