When you think ofSeverance,you think of Adam Scott.
You think of Ben Stiller.
You may even think of John Turturro, Christopher Walken, or Patricia Arquette.
Dylan and Irv get deep on season two of Severance.Image: Apple TV+
You probably dont, however,think of Dan Erickson.
Even though you should.
And, as one might expect, Erickson has enjoyed that relative anonymity.
Dan Erickson is the creator ofSeverance– Apple TV+
Its just one of many things he spoke about in a recent conversation with io9.
Over video chat, we talked to Erickson about the intentions of thelong-awaited and highly anticipated, second season.
He discussed how many of the mysteries hes created (things like what is Lumon up to?
One Helly or two? – Apple TV+
Why is Marks wife alive?
Whats up with the goats, etc?)
he knows the answers to.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Germain Lussier, io9: I love that the season doesnt shy away from anything.
It just kind of jumps right in and youre tackling lots of big questions right away.
Dan Erickson:It was always going to be the case.
So we wanted to sort of put everything out on the table.
What did that mean?
And then on the inside, its the same thing.
That felt narratively like the right thing to do and it also felt true to the characters.
Erickson:I have a pretty solid idea of the endpoint of the show.
I think you sort of have to know those for know the rules of the world that youre writing.
But also, I think its balanced because I like to be surprised by the show too.
We cant just leave that there.
We have to make that a part of the bigger story.
And thats where a lot of the fun comes in.
You have to think on your feet a little bit and let the show surprise you.
But in this case, youre the creator but you also have a little bit of anonymity.
Youre not Ben Stiller.
Youre not Adam Scott.
So has there ever been an instance where people are discussing the show and they dont know that youretheguy?
Erickson:Yeah, its funny.
I was like, Oh, can I pet your dog?
And theyre like, Yeah, and hes like Everyone likes it.
I cant get into it.
Its not my thing.
And Im sitting there just like petting and Im like Im gonna steal this dog.
This dog deserves a proper owner.
And this gentleman is undeserving.
Erickson:Yeah, I have an idea.
io9: Okay, and if we get a third seasonand wed better Apple!
can you say for sure that itll take less time than this one?
Erickson:I certainly would like it to, yeah.
And the conversations we have had about it, thats been in the conversation.
Because season two actually took about the same amount of time as season one.
So, my hope is that if there is a season three, its going to be sooner.
Check back after the season two premiere ofSeverancefor some spoiler discussion with Erickson.
It debuts on January 17.
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