'It Was Pretty Cool': Ben Stiller Names Former President Who Nearly Had A Role On 'Severance'

The former head of state said he was a "big fan" of the show but didn't have time to take the part, which ultimately went to Keanu Reeves.

Keanu Reeves might well be anyone’s first choice for anything, but he wasn’t Ben Stiller’s.

The “Severance” co-creator revealed Monday on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” that he actually had somebody specific in mind for a subtle celebrity cameo during the Season 2 premiere in January — and that the “Matrix” star, who ultimately took the part, ironically wasn’t the one.

The role required a pleasant and docile voice to dub an animated video shown to staffers at the fictional Lumon Industries. Stiller, who executive produces the show and has directed most of it, said he wanted none other than former President Barack Obama to do it.

“I didn’t ask him in person. I knew someone who knew his lawyer, and his lawyer said, ‘I can relay the request if you write an email,’” Stiller told Kimmel. “So I wrote an email to him saying, like, ‘Hey, we have this show,’ whatever.”

He continued, “And two days later, I get an email back from President Barack Obama.”