Ben Stiller has announced that he will not direct any episodes in the upcoming third season of Apple TV’s hit series Severance. Although he has been deeply involved in seasons one and two—directing six episodes in the first season and five in the second, including the finale—Stiller will shift his focus away from directing for this new chapter. Instead, he remains committed as an executive producer and has been actively involved in the show’s pre-production throughout the year.
Reasons Behind Stiller’s Decision to Pause Directing Duties
At 59 years old, Ben Stiller shared his personal reasons for stepping away from directing Severance season 3, explaining a sense of urgency about time and his future projects. Speaking to the LA Times, he said,
“I’m at the point in my life where I’m like, ‘The clock is ticking,’”
expressing a desire to pursue different creative endeavors. Specifically, Stiller plans to direct a World War II film, prioritizing this passion project in the near term.
He further reflected,
“Sixty sounds old. It’s hard to get around it,”
recognizing the challenges and realities that come with aging. Stiller added,
“These things take time to come together and the older you get, the more you realize that you only have so much time,”
highlighting why he felt the need to shift focus from directing Severance, despite his strong connection to the series.
Reassurances to Fans About the Future of Severance
Fans of Severance expressed concern after hearing about Stiller’s change of role, given how integral he has been to the show’s creative vision. However, Stiller quickly reassured everyone that his involvement remains full throttle. He confirmed,
“It’s been full time the last 8 months working on season 3 and I’m not going anywhere. We have incredible directors and a team that creates the show. I love directing it and look forward to at some point again for sure. I feel like season 3 is going to be the best yet as we continue to evolve.”
This commitment underlines that although he won’t be directing episodes personally, Stiller is still deeply invested in ensuring Severance’s success as it moves forward. The show’s talented directing team, supported by his executive producing role, promises to carry the series to new creative heights.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from Season Three
With Ben Stiller’s continued involvement behind the scenes and a fresh cadre of directors taking over directing duties, expectations are high for Severance’s third season. Stiller’s optimism and belief in the show’s ongoing evolution suggest that the next season will deliver an experience that builds on the storytelling and innovation of its predecessors. Fans can look forward to a season that Stiller himself describes as potentially the best yet.
As Stiller pursues new projects, including his anticipated World War II film, Severance remains in capable hands, set to maintain its distinctive style and narrative intensity.
