Ben Stiller has revealed a lighter side of himself during the production of the Emmy-nominated series Severance, earning the nickname “Bendo” from co-star Adam Scott. The playful alter ego embodies Stiller’s tendency to roam the set with a camera, capturing candid moments of the cast and crew. This humorous facet has added some levity to the show‘s intense dramatic environment.
During an appearance on the Lovett or Leave It podcast, Scott explained how he coined the name “Bendo” for Stiller’s on-set behavior as an enthusiastic, somewhat intrusive photographer. Scott described Bendo as constantly
“prancing around with his film camera,”
persistently getting in people’s eyelines, much to the amused frustration of those around him.
A Director’s Shift from Comedy to Drama
Adam Scott, known for his role in Parks and Recreation, reflected on how amusing it was to tease Stiller about his transition from comedy to directing a serious drama like Severance. Scott joked about Bendo’s photographic antics, saying,
“It’s like, ‘What are you doing?’”
but conceded that the photos taken bring out a beautiful side of the production. He added,
“You know what, the photos are beautiful. They really are. But Bendo takes them, not Ben.”
Severance has earned significant critical acclaim this year with 27 Emmy nominations, the highest of any series. Stiller himself has been recognized with a nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for his work on the season two finale, underscoring his successful evolution into dramatic storytelling.
Looking Ahead: Changes for Season Three and Future Projects
Despite Bendo’s popularity, it seems this playful on-set personality will not return for Severance’s upcoming third season. Reports from the Los Angeles Times indicate that Stiller will step back from directing duties on the new season, instead offering support to showrunner Dan Erickson during the planning stages. This shift allows Stiller to pursue other creative endeavors.
Among his future projects is a World War II film scheduled for release next spring, alongside the latest installment in the Meet the Parents franchise. Stiller’s ability to balance various roles highlights his dedication to expanding his career beyond the Severance set.
Fans interested in hearing more insights from Stiller and co-star Patricia Arquette can listen to their full conversation on the Lovett or Leave It podcast.
