Ben Stiller Wanted Barack Obama to Play Severance Role

The sky’s the limit for Ben Stiller.

In a recent chat, I, a lifestyle expert, learned an intriguing tidbit from the executive producer and director of the hit series “Severance.” They shared that before extending the invitation for the “John Wick” star, Keanu Reeves, to narrate their puppet propaganda video, they initially considered reaching out to none other than former President Barack Obama. Quite a change in roles, wouldn’t you agree?

Instead of approaching him directly, I had someone who knew his lawyer, and the lawyer conveyed that it was okay for me to forward my request if I sent an email. So, I composed an email to him saying something along the lines of, “We have this project,” followed by details about it.

Unfortunately, the Zoolander actor didn’t quite get the answer he had hoped for.

2 days past, an email arrived from none other than President Barack Obama himself, and here’s what it said: “Hi Ben, massive fan of your show, simply adore the first season, can hardly wait for the next! Sadly, I don’t seem to find a slot in my schedule to collaborate on this.

Even though he felt let down, Ben was taken aback when the author of “A Promised Land” replied, expressing it as “pretty neat” that he had responded.

As a connoisseur of all things lifestyle-related, I must say that I was thoroughly impressed by the captivating performance delivered by none other than the enigmatic Keanu Reeves in his recent role. It’s evident he approached it with utmost seriousness, truly immersing himself in the character to bring forth an exceptional portrayal.

Ben clarified that we had contacted him, to which he agreed readily. We then conducted an extensive recording session. Despite being in different locations – him in Los Angeles and me in New York – he went to a studio and recorded several takes.

Apart from putting in a commendable amount of work, the 59-year-old additionally matched Keanu’s tone by commenting that his voice is “extraordinarily warm and welcoming.

As a die-hard Matrix enthusiast, I couldn’t help but notice that the enigmatic character in the series’ cast list remained unnamed. Yet, it was as if the universe itself whispered his identity to us devoted fans, for deep within our collective psyche, we subconsciously recognized him.

He said, “You might not instantly assume that the person speaking near the building is Keanu Reeves, but rather, there’s an instinctive sense about him.

Besides Ben, Dan Erickson, the show’s creator, too expressed a preference for an actor with a soft, cushion-like voice, sharing a similar viewpoint.

He expressed during an interview with Collider in January that they desired someone who evoked specific feelings in people, yet also needed to possess a profoundly welcoming demeanor. In this scenario, the Lumon building is portrayed as friendly, and the voice associated with it has a warm, empathetic quality.

While this Severance season is in full swing, keep reading for more 2025 TV premiere dates…

The journey begins with the awe-inspiring Mandy, who graces Naked and Afraid as the first double amputee. A decade ago, she lost her legs in a heartbreaking accident, but instead of giving up, she chose to inspire others by showing that life goes on even after unforeseen disasters. She was the first female bilateral amputee to scale Mount Kilimanjaro and is now gearing up for an even greater survival test – 21 days in the untamed jungle and dense rainforest of Belize. Mandy, accompanied by her partner Jonny, will face heavy downpours, hordes of mosquitoes, and harmful vegetation in a bid to show that no obstacle is insurmountable.

Throughout the United States, valuable items that have been forgotten or unclaimed are tucked away in ordinary people’s attics, basements, and garages. In a fresh series on the Discovery Channel, modern-day treasure hunter and hoarding specialist, Matt Paxton, journeys across the country in search of hidden gems – large, high-value items that have been lost amidst some of the messiest, dirtiest homes ever seen. His main goal is to clear out these overloaded properties by selling his discoveries as quickly as possible and for the highest price, ensuring a substantial profit for himself and his clients, making it a lucrative payday for all involved.

As a devoted admirer, I simply can’t contain my enthusiasm for this captivating series, masterfully crafted by none other than Meghan, the brilliant Duchess of Sussex! This groundbreaking production has breathed new life into the realm of lifestyle programming, seamlessly merging practical advice and heartfelt discussions with friends, both familiar and fresh.

Meghan graciously offers her own insights and creative solutions, favoring a delightful spirit of playfulness over rigid perfectionism. She skillfully demonstrates that creating beauty isn’t confined to the ordinary or expected, instead encouraging us to find it in the most unexpected places. Together with her esteemed guests, she dons an apron in the kitchen, tends to the garden with gusto, and ventures far beyond these realms – all while warmly inviting us to join them on this enlightening journey.

15 years ago, Denise Richards shared her family’s life on a reality series as she faced challenges in her tumultuous marriage, media scrutiny, and raising two young daughters. This time, her family – consisting of daughters Sami, Lola, and Eloise, and husband Aaron – gives us a glimpse into their well-known, affectionate, and humorous life, which is even more complex and unpredictable now.

The docuseries chronicles the detective work surrounding the murder case of a previous participant from the show “Gigolos,” who was taken into custody.

Season 37 of the CBS reality competition series debuts Mar. 5.

In a shocking turn of events, the sudden demise of my wealthy deli-tycoon father left me, Raj, and my brother Mir Dar, two pampered Pakistani-American lads, penniless and clueless about our family’s true nature. What we thought was a corporate empire was actually a drug empire, unveiling a whole new world that we never knew existed.

As the reality struck us like a ton of bricks, my Luckily Auntie and her formidable adversary, Ahmad Uncle, dragged us, kicking and screaming (quite literally), into the dangerous underworld. Navigating from one unbelievable calamity to another, every step we take is a matter of life or death. Because when your trust fund vanishes, so does the privilege of making mistakes.

In the gripping comedy-drama penned by renowned writer Steven Moffat (known for his work on Sherlock), the life of journalist Douglas Bellowes spirals out of control following a tweet that accused him of making an inappropriate joke about women. Co-hosting a popular current affairs program alongside Madeline, Douglas is well-respected and middle-aged while Madeline is young and sharp. However, a seemingly innocuous tweet claiming Douglas made a sexist remark at a wedding sets off a chain reaction that threatens his career. As he grapples with the fallout, supported by editor Toby, wife Sheila, and agent Bentley, Douglas struggles to clear his name amidst accusations of being a casualty of cancel culture. Meanwhile, it remains unclear how co-host Madeline becomes entangled in the controversy. This acclaimed series, featuring an impressive cast including Hugh Bonneville and Karen Gillan, tackles the complex issues surrounding gender politics and the power of social media.

In simple terms, the third season left viewers stunned with its unexpected turn of events, paving the way for a more gripping comeback to South Jamaica, Queens. The Thomas family, dealing with the aftermath of their significant life choices, are unaware of Unique’s return and the chilling repercussions stemming from his brush with death.

Keanu Reeves and Gard Hollinger share an extraordinary connection, nurtured by their mutual passion for motorcycles and unquenchable thirst for exploring the mysteries of life. In 2011, they joined forces to establish ARCH Motorcycle, a venture aimed at redefining the very essence of what a motorcycle can be. To them, ARCH is not merely a company; it’s a philosophy, a perspective that influences their view of the world. Their quest is one of discovery, seeking to uncover the origins of human ingenuity and highlighting the pioneers who are pushing technological boundaries and reshaping our reality.

Porsha Williams joins forces once more with Drew Sidora, as well as new cast members Shamea Morton Mwangi, Brit Eady, Kelli Ferrell, and Angela Oakley for the start of season 16.

This season, the renowned Southern charm, Miss Phaedra Parks, brings an additional dash of wit and zest to the group. Her most delightful comeback is perfectly timed.

Fan-favorite Cynthia Bailey returns as a friend.

Former AI winner Carrie Underwood joins the judges’ table this spring.

The third season, now extended, unfolds six months after the events of the previous one. Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee find themselves embroiled in an investigation concerning the vanishing of two boys. All that remains are a deserted bicycle and a ground patch stained with blood.

Meanwhile, Bernadette Manuelito endeavors to adapt to her new surroundings, which lie 500 miles from her original home, as part of the Border Patrol. However, she uncovers a complex web of deceit involving both human and drug trafficking, with potentially significant repercussions.

This comedy narrates the tale of a renowned televangelist clan known for their history of waywardness, avarice, and benevolence. Even with frequent squabbles, the bonds within the Gemstone family are strong; this season, these familial ties are pushed to their limits as they strive to progress while clinging to their rich past, which poses a challenge for them.

In the second season, Gypsy Rose Blanchard offers viewers another glimpse into her intricate life following her time in prison. The narrative will trace Gypsy’s tumultuous journey as she explores her freshly acquired freedom, reestablishes connections, manages pregnancy and motherhood, and continues to fulfill parole requirements.

Following her recent divorce filing against Ryan Anderson, Gypsy is prepared to embark on a fresh phase in her life. She’s rekindling her past love with Ken Urker, her former fiancé, and they are now dealing with the hurdles of restarting their relationship under close public gaze. With a newborn daughter, Gypsy is excited about her new role as a mother while navigating the challenges that come with life beyond incarceration.

This three part docuseries from directors Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan gives an in-depth look at how the world mobilized to hunt down Osama Bin Laden after his orchestrations of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. Featuring interviews with key people within the US government who helped in the global chase, this series focuses on the decade-long mission to capture one of the world’s most notorious terrorists.

On October 21, 2021, during the filming of the movie “Rust“, actor Alec Baldwin accidentally discharged a live bullet from a prop gun, injuring the film’s director and tragically taking the life of its cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins. Within hours, this devastating incident was swept up in a whirlwind of media coverage. Over the following months, then years, as legal actions were initiated and court proceedings took place, the sensationalist media attention surrounding the case eclipsed a deeply personal loss.

In a raw, high-energy, and unapologetically humorous performance, Shlesinger makes his Prime Video debut with an uncensored hour special. Topics ranging from unconventional shower sex, unattractive spouses, the perfect man, and the one truth women would rather avoid are all fair game in this no-holds-barred show. The special was recorded at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City.

This fresh season of Temptation Island, now available on Netflix, sees intense emotions playing out as four pairs at a relationship crossroads journey to Temptation Island. Here, they’re separated from their partners and live with groups of people from the opposite sex. The objective: test their love to its limits. Will they lean towards their old partners or find solace in new romantic interests?

In the second season, events will pick up right where they left off in a state of high stress due to a panic attack. It’s uncertain if Nic has successfully escaped the charges of murder she may have committed. As for her son Ollie, there are indications that he might be emulating his mother’s questionable actions. After being expelled from the family home due to a romantic entanglement with the wrong brother, Nic finds herself living in a caravan with her less than reliable friend Jen. Her husband Dan is attempting to cope with his midlife crisis by taking up rollerblading. Due to social ostracism and being labeled as a witch at school events, Nic is having hallucinations. However, it’s also possible that someone is deliberately trying to deceive her.

I, an over-the-moon fan, can hardly contain my excitement as Bravo’s Top Chef sets the stunning landscapes of Canada as the stage for season 22! With the incredible Kristen Kish at the helm as our host, culinary maestro Tom Colicchio standing tall as head judge, and the inimitable Gail Simmons, a fellow Canadian, gracing us with her discerning palate, this season promises to be a gastronomic extravaganza not to be missed!

Drawing inspiration from Robert Jordan’s popular fantasy book series, “The Wheel of Time,” a simple farm boy named Rand al’Thor discovers his identity as The Dragon Reborn—an individual with a historic role who can either save or destroy the world. As the wheel of time keeps spinning, the Final Battle looms ever closer.

The eagerly awaited third season features Rosamund Pike, Josha Stradowski, Daniel Henney, Marcus Rutherford, Dónal Finn, Ceara Coveney, Natasha O’Keeffe, Ayoola Smart, and Sophie Okonedo among its star-studded cast.

A riotously spooky comedy, “The Parenting” chronicles the misadventures of young couple Rohan and Josh as they attempt to orchestrate a picturesque weekend retreat in the countryside, introducing their families. As the more conventional Sharon and Frank clash with the carefree Liddy and Cliff, it becomes apparent that their rented property, overseen by peculiar local Brenda, is inhabited by a 400-year-old poltergeist. When one parent is completely taken over by this spirit, it falls upon Rohan, Josh, and their meddlesome buddy Sara to unite the families and vanquish the malevolent force forever.

The suspenseful television series “Long Bright River,” adapted from Liz Moore’s popular novel, follows the story of character Mickey, portrayed by Amanda Seyfried, who is a police officer in a Philadelphia neighborhood severely affected by the opioid epidemic. As a string of murders unfolds within this community, Mickey suspects that her own past might be connected to these crimes.

Bill Burr’s Latest Stand-Up Special – Drop Dead Years” showcases one of today’s top stand-up comedians at the peak of his career. This one-hour performance might be his most intimate and thoughtful yet, as Bill delivers laugh-out-loud commentary on a variety of topics such as male melancholy and dating tips.

The show is modeled after Dennis Tafoya’s book with the same title. It chronicles the adventures of a group of old friends from Philadelphia who pretend to be DEA agents in order to rob a house in the countryside. However, their petty crime soon turns into a high-stakes endeavor as they unwittingly expose and untangle the largest hidden drug trafficking route along the Eastern seaboard without even realizing it.

On a frosty January dawn in a peaceful suburb near Boston, police officer John O’Keefe tragically perished on a neighboring officer’s front yard. Suspecting a tumultuous relationship between O’Keefe and his girlfriend, Karen Read, authorities quickly zeroed in on her as their prime suspect. They contend that in a heated moment, Read reversed her car into O’Keefe, abandoning him to succumb to the cold – but Read vehemently denies any involvement. As the 2024 trial ended inconclusively and a fresh 2025 trial looms, numerous uncertainties persist regarding that fateful night. In an upcoming multi-part series on Investigation Discovery, viewers will delve into the Karen Read 2024 murder trial, gaining exclusive insight into Read, her defense team, and other crucial figures implicated in the case.

Stand-up comedian Bert Kreischer is back with his fourth Netflix special titled “Bert Kreischer: Lucky”. In this show, he explores a variety of topics such as losing 45 pounds, typical family escapades, receiving parenting advice from hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg, and much more. It seems that Bert Kreischer truly is the epitome of good fortune – and he’s eager to share his blessings with us all!

This gripping drama, told through various perspectives, delves into themes of perception, prejudice, and healing. It’s loosely based on unsettling tales about a Midwestern couple who adopt a girl with a unique form of dwarfism. As they raise her together with their three biological children, questions arise about her age and origins, leading them to suspect she might not be as she appears. In their efforts to protect their family from what they perceive as a danger, the adopted daughter fights her own struggle to uncover her past and face an uncertain future. This confrontation unfolds in both the sensationalized media and the courtroom.

The renowned country music artist, Blake Shelton, who is a member of the Grand Ole Opry, will be the host for NBC’s special event, “Opry 100: A Live Tribute,” celebrating the Grand Ole Opry’s centennial milestone.

The three-hour long event will showcase live performances by some of the most distinguished artists in country music, including Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, and Trisha Yearwood who are also members of the Opry.

2025-03-05 01:18

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