Cameras are rolling on the second season ofSeverance, and with new episodes in the works comes the addition of eight new cast members. PerTHR,Gwendoline Christie(Game of Thrones,Lucifer) has joined the show’s ensemble series, landing her next series role ahead of the launch ofWednesdayon Netflix next month. Other newcomers to the cast include Bob Balaban (The French Dispatch), Robby Benson (Beauty and the Beast), Stefano Carannante, John Noble (Fringe), Olafur Darri Olafsson (The Tourist), Alia Shawkat (The Old Man), and Merritt Wever (Nurse Jackie).
Details haven’t been revealed on the characters that will be played by the new cast members. Meanwhile, season 1 of the series starred Adam Scott, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, Jen Tullock, Dichen Lachman, Michael Chernus, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, and Patricia Arquette. All are on board to return for season 2 as well.
In a statement, series director and executive producer Ben Stiller said, “We are thrilled and delighted to be back on set for the exciting second chapter ofSeverance.Though we don’t know how long we’ve been gone or who we are outside, we are told people enjoy the show and we couldn’t be happier. Praise Kier!”
Stiller produces the series with creator Dan Erickson, as well as Nicky Weinstock, Jackie Cohn, Scott Schwartz, and Richie Schwartz of Stiller’s Red Hour Films. Arquette also is serving as a producer for season 2.
Related:Severance: What We Hope to See in Season 2
What Will Happen in Severance Season 2?
In a previous interview withDecider, Stiller touched on what he had in mind for season 2. After explaining how the first season was originally meant to have an “acid-trippy” feel to it, Stiller was asked if he’d be going that route in the second season. For his part, the director wants to see a balance rather than abandoning all logic.
“Part of the fun of the show is the stuff that you don’t quite understand, and you’re wondering what that is, what does that mean, and what the hell is that? And to me, that’s great to do, as long as the logic is behind it,” Stiller explained. “Then [we] figure out a way to tell that to the audience in a way that’s not giving away too much too soon, and it’s satisfying. That’s the balancing act of it. There are definitely some really fun, weird things in Season 2. But always, it’s through the lens of the basic story of these characters, these real people in this situation, because I do think that’s what people hold onto.”
He added, “That’s what I learned making the first season. I saw it when it came out for audiences… This is a show about this work family, these characters, these people. So, no matter how weird the environment they’re in, you want to be able to relate to them as human beings. It’s hopefully a combination of that, but definitely some weird stuff.”
Season 1 ofSeveranceisstreamingon Apple TV+. Season 2 does not yet have a premiere date.
