Barack Obama Wanted For The Best Sci-Fi Series
The best science fiction show currently on television wants former United States President Barack Obama to guest star.
The President of the United States is one of the most recognizable faces in the world. Whether you love them or hate them, presidents spend their entire term in the spotlight, either in front of cameras, in large crowds, or in rooms filled with dignitaries. They are used to moments of extreme pressure, moments of tense focus, and tension to a level we, as mere mortals, could barely fathom. Because of this particular set of skills, once they are out of office, they remain in the public eye as consultants, advisors, and ambassadors of goodwill and diplomacy. They also often engage in other media, like books, documentaries, and such. But a new report says that the creators of the Apple TV series, Severance have a different idea for former President Barack Obama. They think he should give acting a try.
The executive producers of Severance, Ben Stiller and Dan Erickson, sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to discuss their series and their dream castings. While Stiller named mockumentary legend Christopher Guest, Erickson named Barack Obama. Not only did the creator and co-executive producer say he wished he could coerce the former president to join the series and bring some gravitas to the set, he even has a plan on when he planned to pitch the idea.
Severance is up for 14 Emmys this year, including Outstanding Drama Series and Emmys for their cast. Adam Scott is up for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, and John Turturro, Christopher Walken, and Patricia Arquette are all up for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Creating a possible window of opportunity, Barack Obama himself will also be in attendance as he is up for Outstanding Narrator for Our Great National Parks. Since Erickson and Ben Stiller may have their chance to talk to the former president at the awards show, don’t be surprised if you see him weasel his way past the secret service to whisper in his ear about a fictional role on his show.
Barack Obama may be a phenomenal fit for Severance. He is no rookie when it comes to showmanship. Along with his hysterical appearance on Between Two Ferns with Zack Galifianakis, which won an Emmy for Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program, he has been involved with productions that have garnered four more nominations and two additional wins at the Emmys. By The People: The Election of Barack Obama received nominations for Outstanding Directing for Nonfiction Programming, Outstanding Picture Editing for Nonfiction Programming (won), and Outstanding Nonfiction Special. The People’s House – Inside The White House With Barack And Michelle Obama won the Emmy for Outstanding Original Interactive Program.
Barack Obama may not be known for his acting or ability to carry a movie like former President Ronald Reagan did before he took office. Still, he has the charm and charisma to take a role in Severance and turn it into something much more substantial if he so desires. Sure, he may not be a movie star (yet), but he could be soon.
