Keanu Reeves Reacts to Learning He Replaced Barack Obama in Severance

Keanu Reeves has revealed that he was not the first choice for a recent voice role in the Apple TV+ series Severance. The part, a brief but notable cameo in the show’s second season, was initially offered to former U.S. President Barack Obama.

According to executive producer and director Ben Stiller, the production team wanted a voice with a sense of authority and warmth for an animated version of the Lumon building featured in an in-universe industrial film. Stiller said he reached out to Obama through his lawyer with a formal request.

Obama declined the offer, reportedly responding that he was a fan of the show’s first season but could not fit the recording into his schedule.

After that, the role went to Reeves. Stiller said the actor brought the same qualities they were looking for, describing his performance as “warm and inviting.” Reeves completed the voice work with multiple takes and approached the role seriously, despite its short runtime.

Reeves said he was unaware that Obama had been the first choice until he was told during an appearance on the New Heights podcast, hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce. Reacting to the news, he responded simply that he was fine being the second choice, adding that he was glad to have been cast.

The cameo marks a rare television appearance for Reeves, who is primarily known for his film work. He had previously been attached to star in Hulu’s adaptation of The Devil in the White City but later left the project. His role in Severance is uncredited.