Recently, it was revealed that former President Barack Obama was nearly chosen for a notable role in a popular TV series, a revelation that caught Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves by surprise.
Keanu was taken aback upon learning about the fierce competition he faced for his role in the acclaimed TV show, Severance.
In the series, Reeves provided the uncredited voice for the Lumon building, portraying a soothing voice that aims to persuade the employees of the mind-altering company to comply with corporate demands and abandon their revolt.
This unexpected piece of information was shared with The Matrix star by football players Travis and Jason Kelce during an appearance on their podcast, New Heights.
Jason questioned the 61-year-old actor: “What was it like almost losing out on the role to Barack Obama?”
To which a surprised Reeves replied: “I didn’t know!”
Reeves then inquired if Ben Stiller had informed them, to which Jason confirmed that the Zoolander actor had mentioned he was ‘considering Barack Obama’ for the cameo role.
Reflecting on this revelation, Keanu remarked: “Well, Barack must have said no…” adding: “Oh my God, I was the second choice?”
In previous interviews, Stiller has discussed his attempt to get the former president to voice the Lumon building, mentioning on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that he reached out to the 64-year-old with the proposal, but unfortunately, it was declined for a specific reason.
Stiller elaborated that he contacted Obama with the offer via an email sent through a friend familiar with his lawyer. Two days later, the Tropic Thunder actor received a response, although not the outcome he had anticipated.
Stiller recounted that Obama’s message stated: “Hey Ben, big fan of the show, love Season 1, can’t wait for Season 2. Don’t think I have time in my schedule to make this happen.”
“What’s more important than doing the voiceover for the animated building in Severance?” Stiller humorously commented. “It was pretty cool that he responded.”
If Obama had accepted, the Lumon building voice role would have marked his third acting appearance since his presidency, following his work voicing the Netflix nature series Our Great National Parks and Our Oceans.
Series creator Dan Erickson explained the selection process for the Lumon voiceover to Collider: “All I can say is that we talked about a couple of different people for that role.
“We always wanted it to be somebody that people have certain associations with, but also, it had to be a very warm presence. The Lumon building is very friendly in the context of this video, and there’s a friendliness to that particular voice and a heart to that particular voice.”
Nonetheless, Reeves expressed his contentment with being the second choice, noting: “That’s OK, as long as I got the gig.”