Ben Stiller, the acclaimed actor and director known for his work on the hit Apple TV+ series Severance, has revealed he will be stepping away from directing new episodes of the show. Severance, which has rapidly risen to become Apple TV+’s most successful series and one of the decade’s standout TV dramas, is currently the most-nominated show at the Emmy Awards with 27 nominations this year. Despite this success, Stiller has decided to focus on other projects for the time being.
New Film and Television Projects on Stiller’s Horizon
In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Stiller outlined his plans to direct a new World War II survival film that will highlight
the true story of a downed airman in occupied France and how he got involved with the French Resistance.
Alongside this, he is taking roles in multiple projects including starring in the upcoming reboot of Meet the Parents titled Focker-in-Law and leading HBO’s anticipated music-driven dramedy called The Band.
Beyond these, Stiller is pursuing a deeply personal film project: a biopic centered on the bribery scandal involving former Vice President Spiro Agnew. This film will be adapted from Rachel Maddow’s true crime podcast, Bag Man. Reflecting on his shifting priorities, Stiller commented,
These things take time to come together,
and added,
the older you get, the more you realize that you only have so much time.
Continued Involvement with Severance Despite Directorial Break
Even though Stiller is stepping back from directing duties for the current season, he reassured fans that his connection to Severance remains strong. He will continue contributing as a writer and indicated the possibility of returning to direct future episodes. Stiller’s ongoing dedication was made clear in a recent Twitter post where he affirmed,
It’s been full time the last 8 months working on season 3 and I’m not going anywhere,
highlighting the commitment of the talented directors and team behind the series.
He further expressed enthusiasm for the show’s future, stating,
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.
Significance of Stiller’s Shift and What to Expect Next
Stiller’s decision to step back from directing Severance marks a significant moment for the popular series, indicating his desire to diversify his creative efforts while still supporting the project’s growth. His involvement in high-profile films and television projects, from the World War II story to the politically charged biopic, shows his passion for telling compelling stories across genres. Fans can anticipate his gradual return to Severance’s director’s chair, while his current focus promises new creative ventures.
