Severance Director Compares Adam Scott’s Bold Casting Choice to Breaking Bad Star’s Rise to Fame

Severance is set to return for its second season on Apple TV+, and anticipation is building as fans eagerly await its debut on January 17, 2025. During this hiatus, director Ben Stiller shares insights on the series, particularly his advocacy for Adam Scott’s role as Mark Scout, drawing intriguing comparisons between Scott and Bryan Cranston, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Walter White in Breaking Bad.

Ben Stiller Highlights Adam Scott’s Potential

Stiller, who has an extensive background in both acting and directing with films such as Zoolander and Tropic Thunder, revealed that season two of Severance could have taken a drastically different turn. Initially, there were considerations to shift the show’s tone towards a comedic style reminiscent of The Office. Fortunately, this approach was abandoned, allowing the series to maintain its unique narrative, which explores the unsettling concept of office workers with severed memories.

Drawing Parallels: Adam Scott and Bryan Cranston

As reported by IndieWire, Stiller was adamant that Scott should be cast as Mark Scout, despite Apple’s initial skepticism regarding Scott’s ability to lead the series. Stiller’s long-standing relationship with Scott, stemming from their collaboration on The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, likely bolstered his conviction.

By comparing Scott’s journey to Cranston’s, Stiller expressed admiration for Scott’s potential to transcend his previous roles. He remarked, “There are actors like Bryan Cranston who get to go to another place when people see them in a certain role. That’s what I felt with [Scott].” This resonates with the trajectory of Cranston, who evolved from his comedic roots in Malcolm in the Middle to a critically acclaimed dramatic presence in Breaking Bad.

Adam Scott’s Humble Take on Acting

Despite Stiller’s confidence in him, Scott grapples with feelings of self-doubt, admitting in another interview that he struggles daily with concerns about being perceived as overly confident. He reflected on the phenomenon of “impostor syndrome,”remarking that it’s often misused as a form of humblebrag. Adding to the tension, the latest promotional image from Severance season two suggests that his character is in conflict with Seth Milchick, promising an emotionally charged storyline ahead.

Anticipating Answers in Season Two

Fans are eager to uncover the mysteries left hanging from the first season, including the fate of Ms. Casey and the implications of Mark’s outie discovering the truth about his wife. With the launch of season two just around the corner, viewers won’t have to wait long for answers, ensuring an exciting return for this acclaimed series.

For further details, visit IndieWire.

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