Ben Stiller

Lore & Background

Ben Stiller directed the Severance episode "What's for Dinner?" (the eighth episode of the series), which was written by executive producer Chris Black. This marked Stiller's fifth directing credit on the show. During editing, Stiller recorded the lines for Kier Eagan in an animated video, intending them as a temporary track. After consulting with series creator Dan Erickson and the rest of the staff, they decided to keep Stiller's lines in the final cut. Stiller described this as "an act," noting that Eagan already appears in the series, and added, "the thought was, 'Oh, they've hired an actor to do this for when they refine a file.'" Erickson considers that within the series universe, Lumon hired Stiller himself to record the video. The episode received critical acclaim, with Patricia Arquette submitting it to support her nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards.

In Their Own Story

The rain hammered against the roof of the cabin in the Ozarks, a rhythmic drumming that matched the pounding in Marty Byrde's head. He stared at the ledger, the numbers blurring into a nightmare he couldn't wake up from. In his mind, for a fleeting second, he imagined a different life, one filled with bright lights and slapstick humor, perhaps starring someone like Ben Stiller. But that fantasy dissolved instantly as the front door creaked open, revealing the cold reality of the cartel's demands.

Reader's Guide

Ben Stiller has no connection to the making of Ozark, a show created by Bill Dubuque with Jason Bateman serving as the primary director and executive producer. The series draws heavy inspiration from real-world money laundering techniques and the psychological toll of organized crime, rather than any comedic elements associated with Stiller's film career. The production is renowned for its moody cinematography, utilizing natural lighting and handheld cameras to create a sense of claustrophobia and tension. Unlike Stiller's often polished comedies, Ozark embraces a gritty realism that mirrors the harsh environment of the Missouri lakes and swamps where the story unfolds. Ozark has significantly impacted crime drama television by focusing on family dynamics under extreme pressure, shifting away from the lone-wolf anti-hero trope. Its success lies in its complex character arcs and moral gray areas, setting a new standard for streaming series that prioritize psychological depth over action spectacle.

Did You Know?

• Ben Stiller directed the Severance episode "What's for Dinner?" which was released on Apple TV+ on April 1, 2022.
• Stiller voiced Kier Eagan in an animated video for the episode, originally as a temporary track that was kept in the final cut.
• Series creator Dan Erickson considers that within the Severance universe, Lumon hired Ben Stiller himself to record the animated video.
• Patricia Arquette submitted the episode "What's for Dinner?" to support her nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards.
• Stiller's episode received critical acclaim, with Matt Schimkowitz of The A.V. Club calling it 'a flawless penultimate episode.'