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Severance Season 3 Buzz: Actor Marc Geller Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Severance season 3 anticipation is building, and in a recent interview, Apple TV+ series star Marc Geller, known for portraying the enigmatic Kier Eagan, has unveiled intriguing details from the suspenseful season two finale episode, “Cold Harbor.” Geller’s revelations offer a fascinating glimpse into the making of the critically acclaimed show and the intricacies of his role.
The Animatronic Enigma: Mr. Milchick and Kier Eagan’s Double
The season two finale of Severance featured a memorable scene involving Mr. Milchick, played by Tramell Tillman, interacting with a larger-than-life animatronic replica of Kier Eagan, according to reports. In an exclusive conversation, Geller shed light on the production of this unusual sequence.
As the face and voice of Kier Eagan in Severance, Marc Geller’s likeness is pervasive throughout the series, appearing in images, sculptures, and recordings, notably within the Perpetuity Wing and Woe’s Hollow storylines.
Speaking about his involvement with the animatronic scene, Geller stated, “I was present on set during the filming of the animatronic segment. Typically, my recordings take place in a studio with [director] Ben [Stiller] and a technician, but logistical reasons meant I was there for the entire week, working alongside Tramell.”
He elaborated, “Observing Tramell and the animatronic mannequin on the monitor to coordinate timing was incredibly beneficial. It was enriching to be on location with the other actors, fostering genuine interaction.”
Interactive Performance: How On-Set Presence Elevated the Scene
Geller emphasized the impact of this on-set dynamic, explaining, “It infuses the performance with a completely different dimension. Engaging directly with other actors provides a point of connection, a reciprocal exchange that profoundly shapes your portrayal.”
He contrasted this experience with his usual studio recordings: “In the studio environment, there’s no immediate feedback. Tramell’s responses in real-time directly influenced my subsequent line delivery.”
The Height Hilariousness: An Unscripted Line’s Genesis
An amusing anecdote shared by Geller involved Milchick’s playful jab at the animatronic’s height, which surpassed the actual Kier by five inches.
“During a table read one day, that particular line was absent,” Geller recalled. “However, Ben, an avid photographer, wanted to capture some photos of me alongside the mannequin.”
Detailing the height discrepancy, he added, “The mannequin was remarkably tall, approximately 6ft 2in, whereas I stand at 5ft 7in. My head was nowhere near the mannequin’s head level.”
Geller recounted the humorous photo session where he attempted to bridge the height gap while Stiller manipulated the animatronic. “In jest, I turned to Tramell and asked, ‘Why is this mannequin five inches taller than me?’ To my surprise, the very next day, that precise line was incorporated into the script,” Geller revealed.
From Lockdown Beard to Lumon Founder: Geller’s Severance Journey
Geller secured the role of Kier in March 2020, just before the global Covid-19 pandemic brought widespread disruptions. Initially, his role was primarily focused on embodying Kier’s visual representation, leading to an extensive, ten-hour “Benjamin Button”-esque photoshoot.
Describing his transformation process, Geller recounted starting the day with a substantial beard and long, unkempt hair due to lockdown restrictions. By the end of the session, he emerged clean-shaven with short, dark hair, mirroring Kier’s reversed aging narrative.
Geller’s contribution extends beyond Kier’s image; he also provides the character’s voice, undertaking a dual role for the Lumon Industries founder.
Dispelling Fan Theories and Embracing Recognition
Contrary to some viewer assumptions that Ben Stiller portrayed Kier, Geller clarifies that while Stiller made a brief cameo in Severance season one for Helly’s congratulatory video, Kier has consistently been embodied by Geller.
Severance marks a significant milestone in Geller’s career, building upon previous roles in projects like “A Different Man” with Sebastian Stan, “Katy Keene,” and “Russian Doll.”
Originally from Rhode Island, Geller harbored acting ambitions from a young age, staging childhood plays and involving friends in his early productions.
Despite lacking family connections to the entertainment industry, Geller pursued his aspirations relentlessly. He persuaded his parents to enroll him in a children’s theater school in neighboring Massachusetts after seeing an advertisement in a newspaper.
Stage to Screen: Geller’s Expanding Career
Geller honed his craft in community and local theater before moving to New York at 18 to pursue a professional acting career. He transitioned into film and television auditions in 2018, discovering a strong affinity for the medium and making it his “primary focus.”
His acting credits continue to expand, with IMDb listing his upcoming appearance in the highly anticipated Marvel series, “Daredevil: Born Again.”
The acclaimed series Severance has undeniably amplified Geller’s public profile. The actor embraces his newfound recognition, playfully remarking, “I never shy away from a ‘Praise Kier’.”
Severance seasons 1 & 2 are currently available for streaming on Apple TV+