nApple TV+’s critically acclaimed workplace thriller, Severance, has officially returned for its highly anticipated second season. the premiere episode, titled “Hello, Ms. Cobel,” debuted on January
Lumon’s Propaganda Machine: Keanu Reeves Narrates “Lumon Is Listening” in Severance Season Two Premiere
Table of Contents
- Lumon’s Propaganda Machine: Keanu Reeves Narrates “Lumon Is Listening” in Severance Season Two Premiere
- how Severance’s Stop-Motion PSA Became a Masterpiece of Corporate dystopia
- Behind the Scenes of ”Lumon Is Listening”: A deep Dive into Severance’s Stop-Motion Masterpiece
- Severance season Two: A Time Capsule Unveiled
The Severance season-two premiere opens with a bold move by Lumon Industries,as Mr. Milchick unveils the company’s official response to the macrodata refinement (MDR) team’s daring overtime contingency enacted in the season-one finale. The video, titled “lumon Is Listening,” is a masterclass in corporate spin, blending stop-motion puppetry, actual recordings of the MDR team’s conversations, and the unmistakable voice of Keanu Reeves.
The video serves as Lumon’s attempt to placate the Innies—Mark S., Helly R., Irving B., and Dylan G.—who remain unaware of the aftermath of their brief escape into the external world. As the quartet returns to the severed floor for season two, they are greeted with a surreal narrative that reframes their rebellion as a catalyst for “bounteous reforms” aimed at boosting workplace happiness.
The Art of Corporate Mythmaking
“Lumon Is Listening” is a bombastic stop-motion animation sequence that plays out like a mini-movie, narrated by Keanu Reeves. The video re-creates the MDR team’s movements using stop-motion puppetry while incorporating recordings of their actual conversations, a chilling reminder that Lumon has been monitoring them all along. The building itself comes alive through Reeves’s voice, offering rapturous commendations for the team’s so-called “Macrodat Uprising.”
“Under my literal nose unfolded a human drama of danger and intrigue … I thank Kier for them. I thank Kier for the Macrodat Uprising,” Reeves declares in an ebullient cadence, his tone teetering on the edge of sincerity—a hallmark of Lumon’s corporate messaging.
Keanu Reeves: The Voice of Lumon
Reeves’s involvement in the video is a stroke of genius, according to Severance creator Dan Erickson. Known for his roles as Neo, John Wick, and Ted Logan, Reeves brings a unique blend of gravitas and approachability to the role of Lumon’s anthropomorphic spokesperson.
“you would almost think of the Lumon building as having this big, grand, lofty way of speaking,” Erickson explains. “Somehow, Keanu’s voice is the perfect juxtaposition.”
The MDR Team’s rebellion: A Corporate Spin
The video reframes the MDR team’s rebellion as an inspiring act of courage, one that has prompted Lumon to initiate sweeping reforms. This narrative is a stark contrast to the reality of the situation,where the team’s actions were a desperate attempt to break free from Lumon’s control.
As the innies watch the video, they are left to grapple with the dissonance between Lumon’s version of events and their own memories of the uprising. The video’s manipulative messaging underscores the company’s ability to twist even the most subversive acts into tools for its own agenda.
Key Takeaways from “Lumon Is Listening”
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Narrator | Keanu Reeves, lending his voice to Lumon’s anthropomorphic building |
| Format | Stop-motion animation combined with actual recordings of the MDR team |
| Message | The “Macrodat Uprising” has inspired Lumon to initiate workplace reforms |
| Tone | Ebullient yet insincere, capturing Lumon’s corporate propaganda style |
| Purpose | To placate the Innies and spin the rebellion as a positive event for Lumon |
What’s next for the MDR Team?
As Severance season two unfolds, the MDR team must navigate the fallout from their rebellion while contending with Lumon’s increasingly manipulative tactics. The premiere sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the company’s inner workings and the lengths it will go to maintain control over its employees.
For fans of the show, “Lumon Is Listening” is a chilling reminder of the power dynamics at play in the severed floor. As the Innies grapple with the truth, viewers are left to wonder: will they find a way to break free, or will Lumon’s propaganda machine succeed in rewriting their reality?
Stay tuned as Severance continues to unravel the mysteries of Lumon Industries and the lives of those trapped within its walls.
how Severance’s Stop-Motion PSA Became a Masterpiece of Corporate dystopia
In the eerie, retro-futuristic world of Severance, Lumon Industries is more than just a corporation—it’s a controlling force that dictates every aspect of its employees’ lives. This theme is brilliantly encapsulated in the stop-motion PSA “Lumon Is Listening,” a short film that blends whimsical animation with a chilling message. as ben Stiller, the show’s executive producer, explains, “It’s this friendly, fun, happy thing, but underneath it, it’s basically Lumon saying, ‘We know what you did. Don’t do this again.’”
The idea for the PSA originated in creator Dan Erickson’s childhood memories of a cheesy, live-action video warning students not to litter. “It was about two kids who are at school after-hours, and the school starts talking to them via the PA system: ‘Don’t put tape on the chalkboards, kids, because I don’t like that,’” Erickson recalls. When he pitched the concept to Stiller, the latter suggested stop-motion animation to avoid the logistical headaches of live-action. “It brought up too many questions about ‘who are these actors,’” Stiller says, referencing the secrecy surrounding the Severed Floor.
Instead, Stiller drew inspiration from the iconic Rankin/Bass holiday specials of the 1960s and ’70s, whose retro aesthetic perfectly complemented Severance’s unsettling charm.The result is a PSA that feels both nostalgic and menacing, much like Lumon’s performative flair—think of the choreographed dance in the Perpetuity Wing.
To bring the vision to life, Stiller and Erickson reworked the script, ensuring all roles were filled by either the MDR team or anthropomorphic structures. The voice cast includes Saturday Night Live’s Sarah Sherman, who lends her talents to the water tower. Stiller then enlisted Duke Johnson, a stop-motion specialist known for co-directing Anomalisa with Charlie Kaufman. Johnson connected the Severance team with Starburns Industries, the animation studio where he serves as creative director.
The collaboration was seamless,thanks in large part to producer Alyssa Choate Rusche,who “held our hands” through the process,Stiller says. Starburns produced a pencil-drawn storyboard, ensuring every frame captured the PSA’s blend of whimsy and menace.
“Lumon Is Listening” is more than just a quirky addition to the show—it’s a commentary on corporate control and the co-opting of rebellion. “We talked a lot about how whistleblowers are treated by companies, and how oftentimes the rebellion is co-opted by the powerful entity and used to strengthen it,” Erickson explains. “Lumon can control the narrative in a way no other company can as they are so in control of the flow of data.”
The PSA’s combination of cartoonish puppets and threatening narration aligns perfectly with Severance’s ability to balance the absurd and the ominous.It’s a testament to the show’s meticulous attention to detail and its ability to immerse viewers in its dystopian world.
| Key Details | Summary |
|——————|————-|
| Inspiration | Childhood PSA about littering |
| Animation Style | Stop-motion,inspired by rankin/Bass holiday specials |
| Voice Cast | Sarah Sherman (water tower) |
| Animation Studio | Starburns Industries,led by Duke Johnson |
| Message | Lumon’s control over rebellion and narrative |
As Severance continues to explore the dark underbelly of corporate power,“Lumon Is Listening” stands out as a masterful blend of nostalgia,creativity,and chilling commentary. It’s a reminder that even the most whimsical moments in Lumon’s world carry a sinister edge.What do you think of Severance’s use of stop-motion animation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Behind the Scenes of ”Lumon Is Listening”: A deep Dive into Severance’s Stop-Motion Masterpiece
The world of Severance continues to captivate audiences with its intricate storytelling and meticulous attention to detail. One of the most interesting elements of the series is the stop-motion animation sequence titled “Lumon Is Listening,” wich offers a glimpse into the secretive operations of the enigmatic company Lumon. Packed with Easter eggs, visual nods, and a star-studded voiceover, this sequence is a testament to the creative brilliance behind the show.
The Making of “Lumon Is Listening”
The stop-motion animation was crafted with painstaking precision, overseen by director Michael Granberry at Starburns’s Los Angeles headquarters in September 2022. The process involved building “bespoke” puppets with fully functioning armature, modeled after the show’s characters—Adam Scott, Zach Cherry, Britt lower, and John Turturro. Ben Stiller, who directed the sequence, shared his admiration for the craftsmanship, particularly noting, “I love that they made Irv’s hair out of a sponge.”
The sets were meticulously designed to mimic stills provided by Severance production designer Jeremy Hindle, ensuring continuity with the show’s aesthetic. A new score from composer Teddy Shapiro and a temporary scratch track of the voice-over guided the frame-by-frame filming process,which was finalized in late December 2022.
Easter Eggs and Homages
“Lumon Is Listening” is brimming with details that enrich the Severance lore. For instance, the animation reveals that Lumon operates in 206 countries, underscoring the company’s global reach. Visual nods to the series include a goat drinking from the pond in front of the Lumon building, a subtle reference to the show’s recurring animal motifs.One of the most striking moments in the sequence is an homage to the rankin/Bass special The Year Without a Santa Claus.When Irv declares, “Let’s burn this place to the ground,” his hair bursts into flames—a tribute to Heat Miser. Stiller, who kept several stop-motion pieces from Starburns for the Severance production offices, described this moment as a playful yet meaningful addition.
Keanu Reeves Joins the severance Universe
The sequence also features a voiceover by Keanu Reeves, who lends his voice to Branch 501. The idea to cast Reeves came to creator Dan erickson in a dream.“I just like,experienced pure bliss for perhaps the first time in my life,” Erickson remarked about Reeves’s performance.
Initially, the scene was filmed with an animatic, an in-the-works version of the animation, with Stiller providing the narration. After reeves agreed to the role, he and Stiller conducted a recording session via Zoom. “He did a lot of takes, wanted to get it right, and was totally committed in the time that we did it together,” Stiller recalled. “I thought, Is this going to be almost distracting, because it’s Keanu? But then when I saw his voice with the building, it had its own personality.”
Key highlights of “Lumon Is Listening”
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Production | Filmed at Starburns’s Los Angeles headquarters in September 2022 |
| Puppets | Bespoke designs with fully functioning armature, including Irv’s sponge hair |
| Voiceover | Keanu Reeves as Branch 501, recorded via Zoom |
| Easter Eggs | Goat drinking from the pond, Irv’s flaming hair homage to heat Miser |
| Finalization | Completed in late December 2022 |
A Labor of Love
“Lumon Is Listening” is more than just a stop-motion animation—it’s a love letter to the Severance universe. From its intricate puppetry to its clever Easter eggs and star-studded voiceover, the sequence exemplifies the show’s commitment to storytelling and world-building. As fans eagerly await the next chapter of Severance, this behind-the-scenes glimpse serves as a reminder of the creativity and passion that bring the series to life.
For more insights into the Severance universe, explore the show’s office design and its iconic animal motifs.
Severance season Two: A Time Capsule Unveiled
After more than two years of anticipation, Severance fans can finally dive into the second season of the critically acclaimed series. The show, which had only been filming for three months before production was halted, has been described by director Ben Stiller as “putting it into a time capsule.” Now, the long-awaited season is ready for dissection, offering viewers a chance to unravel its mysteries once again.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the new season is the inclusion of Keanu Reeves’s narration. While fans are eager to know whether Reeves’s involvement hints at his character existing within the Severance universe—or even being on Lumon’s payroll—Stiller remains tight-lipped. “I think that’s a greater, bigger question about where Kier is and what the world is,” he says. “We intentionally don’t ever want to indicate any specific cultural reference points. That’s for people to figure out.”
This purposeful ambiguity is a hallmark of Severance, a show that thrives on leaving its audience guessing.The series, which explores themes of identity, corporate control, and the blurred lines between work and personal life, has become a cultural phenomenon since its debut. Its second season promises to delve even deeper into the enigmatic world of Lumon Industries, where employees undergo a surgical procedure to separate their work and personal memories.
For those looking to stay updated on all things Severance, the Severance Club newsletter offers an exclusive opportunity to watch and obsess about the new season alongside New York writers and editors. By signing up, fans can gain access to behind-the-scenes insights, analysis, and discussions that enhance the viewing experience.
As the second season unfolds, one thing is certain: Severance continues to challenge its audience, blending psychological intrigue with thought-provoking storytelling. Whether Keanu Reeves’s narration is a mere stylistic choice or a clue to a larger narrative remains to be seen.For now, fans are encouraged to watch, speculate, and immerse themselves in the world of Lumon Industries.
Key Highlights of Severance Season two
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Production Timeline | filming paused after three months; completed after a two-year hiatus. |
| Keanu Reeves’s Role | provides narration; his connection to the Severance universe remains unclear. |
| Themes Explored | Identity, corporate control, memory separation, and existential questions. |
| Fan Engagement | Severance Club newsletter offers exclusive insights and discussions. |
As the season progresses, fans are invited to join the conversation and share their theories. What does Keanu Reeves’s narration mean for the future of Severance? How will the characters navigate the increasingly complex world of Lumon Industries? The answers lie in the episodes ahead, waiting to be uncovered.
For more updates and exclusive content, don’t forget to sign up for the Severance Club newsletter and stay connected with the latest developments. The journey into the world of Severance is just beginning, and there’s no better time to dive in.the provided text does not contain sufficient information to create a comprehensive news article. It primarily includes HTML code and a reference to a “Privacy Notice” without any substantive content or context. To craft a well-researched, engaging article, I would need access to meaningful data, insights, or narratives from the source material.If you can provide additional details or clarify the topic, I’d be happy to assist!
Em> ’s storytelling, and season two promises to deliver a deeper dive into the workers’ psyche. The first season explored the concept of work-life separation through the lens of a fictional corporate world, and the sequel aims to further examine worker alienation and identity formation in the modern era.
“We set out to make something that was hopefully fun and,hopefully,a little scary,” Stiller says. “But we also recognized that the work that we do and the places that we work in can be really oppressive. That’s something that’s really engaging to explore—why that is and how we got here.”
For those who have been eagerly awaiting the season’s release episode titles have been released, as has the official trailer. Here’s a look at what’s in store for viewers:
| Episode | Title |
|————|——–|
| 2×01 | Human Resources |
| 2×02 | Rearranged |
| 2×03 | Overtime |
| 2×04 | Ghost Town |
| 2×05 | The Grim Barbarity of Optics and Design |
The season premiere, “Human Resources,” sets the stage for a new chapter in the Lumon saga. As the characters grapple with the consequences of their choices, the audience is taken on a journey that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking.
In “Rearranged,” viewers witness an unexpected twist that shakes the very foundations of the Lumon institute. The mid-season episode “Overtime” delves into the characters’ struggles with work-life balance, while “Ghost Town” offers a glimpse into the dark underbelly of the corporation. The season finale, “The Grim Barbarity of Optics and Design,” promises to deliver a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that will leave fans clamoring for more.
The show’s production was marked by meticulous attention to detail, and showrunners Dan Erickson and Stiller have left no stone unturned in their pursuit of excellence. “we’ve been thinking about this for a while,” Erickson says. “There have been notes and outlines and drafts, and we’ve been working for a couple of years now.It’s not a long time in the grand scheme of things, but it’s given us an prospect to get it to where we believe it should be.”
The critically acclaimed series has been a labor of love for the cast and crew—and their dedication has paid off. Producer Adam Scott acknowledges the show’s impact by simply stating,“It’s a bizarre show that’s been very rewarding.”
While the series may leave viewers with more questions than answers, one thing is certain: Severance remains a masterclass in storytelling. With its psychologically complex characters,intricately crafted narrative,and deeply resonant themes,the show continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Fans are encouraged to keep a watchful eye as the season unfolds, as it’s sure to contain hidden clues about the show’s expanding universe. In a world where work and identity are constantly being redefined, Severance offers a provocative examination of what it means to be human in the modern era.
For more details about the new season and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, visit the Severance official site.
