Adam Scott, known for his funny roles in shows like Party Down and Parks and Recreation, has now taken on a serious role in the Apple TV+ sci-fi drama Severance. The show’s director, Ben Stiller, who worked with Scott before on the 2013 movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, believed Scott was perfect for the part. Even though Apple doubted whether Scott could handle such a big role, Stiller pushed for him to get the job.
There are actors like Bryan Cranston who get to go to another place when people see them in a certain role. That’s what I felt with this.
Stiller said in a recent interview with The New Yorker, referring to Cranston’s leap from “Malcolm” to “Breaking Bad” and how he saw Scott fitting this mold.
Scott isn’t always sure about how good he is at acting. He told The New Yorker that he sometimes worries he’s “not very good” at it.
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And that’s not in a showy way, like how ‘impostor syndrome’ has become this buzzword now and most people are using it to humblebrag. The thing is, I live daily with the fear of anyone thinking I think I’m great.
said Scott
Michael Schur, who worked with Scott on Parks and Recreation, thinks Scott’s self-doubt has actually made him a better actor.
Read More: ‘Severance’ Creator Has ‘Whole Vision Mapped Out’ for Series, Which Could Include a Third Season
Schur says Scott doesn’t try too hard to stand out. In Severance, he keeps things simple and real, playing two different characters that viewers can still like, even with their flaws.
He had the opportunity to go big, and play these two wildly distinct characters. But he stayed small. The innie is everything I like about myself, and the outie is everything I hate about myself — like, a guy who thinks everything is bullshit and keeps everyone at an arm’s distance.
Schur said to The New Yorker
Besides being a good actor, Stiller felt Scott was the perfect partner for this project. He believed they both understood the kind of quiet sadness the story needed.
I’ve come to rely on Adam a lot because we share the same taste. And ultimately it all comes down to taste.
said Stiller
Scott and Stiller are also starting a podcast called “The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller and Adam Scott.” It comes out on January 7 and will have guests like the show’s creator, Dan Erickson, and big fans like Jon Stewart from The Daily Show.
Season 2 of Severance will be on Apple TV+ starting January 17.
Source: Indiewire