Nothing is scarier than Lumon Industries, the shady corporation at the center of Apple TV+’s breakout series Severance, except a life with a cliffhanger like at the end of season one. A year and a half after beginning principal photography in October 2022, the crew reunited to film the last half of the season earlier this year. Previously shut down due to the writers and actors strikes, Ben Stiller, who’s returning as executive producer and director, confirmed the news on January 29, writing, “Back to work,” with a first-look image of Adam Scott running in the offices.
“We are thrilled and delighted to be back on set for the exciting second chapter of Severance,” said Stiller in a statement in 2022. “Though we don’t know how long we’ve been gone or who we are outside, we are told people enjoy the show and we couldn’t be happier. Praise Kier!” We’re taking bets on whether Balaban’s character has a threesome with Burt and Irving starting now. Here’s all the office goss’ at Lumon, including a follow-up on first-look details, the new staff directory, and a calendar invite for Severance season-two premiere.
What’s the dress code?
Business thriller. The foreboding first-look image clocked in on June 10 with the promise of a psychological second season. We see a frowning Adam Scott marching down a clinical hallway carrying balloons decorated with a picture of his smiling face. Talk about dissonance! That same day, Apple TV+ released a coming-soon reel for all its upcoming programming. It includes additional footage of Scott lying flat on a conference table at the show’s ethically challenged biotech company multiple times, the events seemingly flashing through his mind like a revelation. He then runs through a blindingly white labyrinth lit by the piercing florescent office lights.
Who’s getting hired?
The show has also onboarded eight new recruits for season two, including Search Party’s Alia Shawkat, Game of Thrones star Gwendoline Christie, and Unbelievable’s Merritt Wever. Other additions include Bob Balaban, Robby Benson, Stefano Carannate, John Noble, and Ólafur Darri Ólafsson.
When’s the orientation?
Apple TV+ released a teaser on July 10 with a big reveal: Severance is returning on January 17, 2025. For those keeping track, that is just shy of being three years after season one premiered in February 2022. The teaser didn’t give us much more info, but we do know that Mark and Helly head back to the Lumon offices, because there’s a brunette Gwendoline Christie intoning, “You should have left.” But we need to know what the hell is up with those goats, brunette Gwendoline Christie! Think of the goats!
