Ben Stiller, the director of Severance, recently shared his thoughts on how parts of modern Hollywood feel like a dystopian reality for artists. He explained that there’s a growing divide between the decision-makers in the industry and the creators who actually make the content. According to Stiller, these decisions often come from people who are out of sight, behind closed doors, or even completely unknown to the creators themselves.
In a conversation with The New York Times, Stiller explained how the show Severance—where employees undergo a procedure to separate their work life from their personal life—reflects a similar reality in Hollywood. He believes that just like the characters on the show are disconnected from the personal impact of their work decisions, creators in the industry often have no idea who is behind the decisions that affect them or their projects.
He also expressed frustration about how decisions in Hollywood are often made without any explanation to the creators. Stiller described how it’s common for creative people to be kept in the dark about why decisions are made, and even when they are told, it’s usually not the full truth. He pointed out that in Hollywood, people often say “yes,” but what they really mean is “no” or “let me think about it.” According to him, this has become even more true as the industry faces various pressures.
Stiller believes these issues are tied to larger challenges in Hollywood, including the aftermath of the pandemic, rising costs of production, and the impact of strikes that have affected the industry. He added that it’s tougher than ever to get projects made, as post-pandemic conditions and the higher cost of production have led decision-makers to play it safe in their choices, focusing on what feels like more secure, less risky options.
Looking ahead, Stiller teased Severance Season 2, which promises to continue the show’s mysterious, unsettling themes with a new cast including Gwendoline Christie and Alia Shawkat. The first season had fans hooked with its eerie portrayal of corporate control and emotional disconnection, so anticipation for the new season is high. Severance Season 2 dropped on Apple TV+ on January 17.