In the second season of Severance, audiences were surprised by a cameo that landed with a gentle, reassuring tone rather than a flashy reveal. Keanu Reeves, known for The Matrix and John Wick, appeared in a way that felt earned and human, matching the show’s uneasy corporate world. Spoilers ahead for anyone not yet caught up, but the moment also underscored the series’ knack for surprising viewers with familiar faces placed in an uncanny setting.
In a discussion with Collider, series creator Dan Erickson shared how the idea to bring Reeves onto the set came about. He explained that the first episode of Season 2 features a corporate video called Lumon Listens, where the Lumon building speaks about the events of the previous season in its own peculiar voice. The aim was to find someone who could lend warmth to the character, making the video feel friendly while still hinting at the underlying tension of the company’s messaging.
All I can say is that we considered several candidates for this role. We always wanted it to be someone that people would associate with, but who would also be very friendly. The Lumon building is very friendly in the context of this video, and there is a softness and warmth in its voice.
— Dan Erickson
That’s why Keanu Reeves was chosen. The decision is strengthened by Reeves’s background in voice work, including his portrayal of Shadow in Sonic 3 The Movie and his role as Johnny Silverhand in Cyberpunk 2077. He is a widely recognized Hollywood star, and the show’s universe clearly benefits from a voice that can calm the employees while preserving the slightly unnerving aura surrounding Lumon.
Fans are reminded that the Season 2 release schedule had been announced in advance, and the team has already shared their thoughts on the premiere. Viewers who have seen the first episode are discussing how the installation of a familiar voice on the Lumon Listens video changes the tone and invites questions about how information is presented within the company’s closed world.
for the curious: a keyboard with a sliding mechanism appears in a scene
Without naming specifics, the sequence signals how the show continues to layer small details into its broader critique of corporate culture and control.