Keanu Reeves: Almost Lost Role to Barack Obama

Keanu Reeves revealed he was the second choice for a voice role in the series Severance, as Barack Obama was the first choice.

The series creator, Ben Stiller, approached Obama to lend his voice to 'Lumon Is Listening', an animated video. Obama, a fan of the series, declined due to workload.

Thus, the role was given to Keanu Reeves. Series creator Dan Erickson stated that they wanted someone with a familiar voice and a warm presence, ideal for the role of Lumon's building-mascot.