‘Severance’ Star Zach Cherry Explains That Awkward Visitation, Playing Outie Dylan and His Door Factory Doppelgänger

⚠️ Caution: The narrative that follows includes significant revelations from the third episode of Season 2 in “Severance,” currently available on Apple TV+. Proceed with caution if you wish to avoid spoilers.

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We found love in a hopeless place?

In the third episode of “Severance” Season 2, each person seems to be engaging in their own activities. Mark (Adam Scott) and Helly (Britt Lower) are venturing out to find Ms. Casey (Dichen Lachman) in a goat nursery. Meanwhile, Irving (John Turturro) is back at Optics and Design for the first time since Burt’s (Christopher Walken) enforced retirement, catching up with Felicia (Claudia Robinson). Lastly, Dylan (Zach Cherry) receives a visit from his outie’s wife, Gretchen, portrayed by Merritt Wever with a soft interest.

In the finale of Season 1, Dylan didn’t manage to enter his physical form through the portal, and the brief glimpse we got of his life outside Lumon was when Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman) dropped by at his home, marking the initial use of the Overtime Contingency. After learning he had a child beyond Lumon, Dylan became more disenchanted and defiant towards the company. In the premiere of the new season, Milchick, perhaps with good intentions or more likely as a manipulative move, informs Dylan that Lumon has constructed an Outie Family Visitation Room. He also instructs Dylan to keep this information hidden from the other workers.

In the recent installment of “Severance”, Lumon subjects the visitation room to scrutiny, enabling Innie Dylan to encounter his outie’s spouse, Gretchen, under the vigilant gaze of Ms. Huang (played by Sarah Bock). The atmosphere is tense right off the bat: Gretchen is fixedly observing her husband and their children’s father, while Dylan is conversing with a stranger. He learns about their three kids, and how his outie had previously struggled to maintain employment before Lumon. Gretchen remarks, “He never quite discovered his niche,” regarding her spouse, which prompts a dejected expression on Dylan’s face as he queries, “So he was essentially inept?

In summary, Dylan appreciates the visit and is curious about his relationship with Gretchen – or is it ‘their’ relationship? When Gretchen expresses pride in him, gives him a hug, and tells him she loves him, it feels like a significant moment for Dylan. He hasn’t felt affection like this before, being an outie most of the time. Later, Outie Dylan enquires about their day with Gretchen. She replies, “It was fine,” but with a hint of strangeness, she adds, “It was good.”

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Cherry had a conversation with EbMaster regarding the latest episode, focusing on the potential conflicts that may arise from Innie Dylan’s relationship with Gretchen. Additionally, they discussed various fan theories surrounding “Severance” and how Mark’s reintegration procedure could influence the dynamics among the innies.

The past couple of episodes have given us the first real glimpse of Dylan’s outie. How did you prepare to play that double role? Or do you not see it as a double role?

The characters share similarities and overlap significantly, with their lives influencing each other. One intriguing aspect of the show is how certain traits seep through from one to another. I often consider the distinction between them by noting that Innie Dylan embodies extreme self-assurance, given his limited life experiences and excelling in his specific role. He carries no baggage, unlike the outie, who is a reflection of the same person but grapples with additional factors that have eroded his confidence.

Innie Dylan seems genuinely disappointed when his outie’s wife, Gretchen, tells him Outie Dylan has struggled to keep a job. To what extent does Dylan feel that his outie’s shortcomings reflect upon him?

Throughout Season 1, he frequently imagines and exaggerates his own identity, which seems to boost his self-assurance. He weaves tales of himself as a riverboat captain, displays his physical prowess, and flirts with numerous women. He has the ability to create any narrative about who he is, and it becomes reality for him. However, when he learns about his actual self from the outside, he encounters the harsh truth that these stories are mere fabrications. Real-life scenarios can mirror this situation: for example, if you believe yourself to be an exceptional cook but your friends show little enthusiasm during a dinner party, it may cause you to question the story you’ve been telling about yourself, which could in turn affect how you view yourself and what actions you choose to take moving forward.

I hear you like to improvise on set a lot. Has your background in improv comedy been a help or a hindrance on a show like “Severance,” which requires a certain tightness?

The method it benefits me involves actively listening and staying fully engaged with your co-actor since there’s no script, meaning I can’t solely focus on my next lines. This mindset I apply to all aspects of my life. When collaborating with talented actors, like those I’ve been fortunate enough to work alongside in “Severance,” being present and attentive allows me to absorb a wealth of information from them. This aids me in understanding the essence of the scene. In this specific episode, I encounter my character’s wife, portrayed by Merritt Wever, who is an exceptional actress with immense thoughtfulness. While reading the script, I might have assumed what the scene would entail. However, upon arriving on set and interacting with her, she brought so much depth to the scene that it significantly altered its dynamics. It was exciting to discover and develop our relationship as we were performing together.

I was wondering whether you improvised the “He dumb? He a dick?” line.

Indeed, I’m not sure if that will work out. While I occasionally experiment, much of it doesn’t end up in the final performance. However, these attempts help me define the character’s limits and maintain a lively flow within the scenes.

What do you make of Dylan recoiling when Gretchen says, “I love you”?

This is likely the first time he’s been told something like this. It might seem ordinary to her due to their connection with his partner. However, for him, it’s a significant moment. I find it hard to believe that he has ever had someone genuinely express love towards him, especially not in reference to his partner’s spouse.

Why is Lumon allowing these visitations? Is it simply to keep Dylan at bay, or is there a larger tactic at play?

It’s wise to wonder about Lumon’s intentions, as this season appears to be handling the consequences of the innes’ actions at the end of Season 1. They seem to be adopting distinct strategies for each character, and for Dylan, his family serves as a powerful motivator. This is something he values deeply, so Lumon may be exploiting it to keep him on task or to create tension among the refiners. The mystery deepens when we consider that Dylan has a secret he’s not supposed to reveal to his colleagues. This adds an intriguing layer to the dynamics within the MDR team.

In the previous episode, Dylan goes for a job interview at a door factory. Was it written in the script that he’d be interviewed by a doppelgänger?

In the heat of our scene together, I found myself in awe as Adrian Martinez, portraying the interviewer, bore such a striking resemblance to me. On numerous occasions, I’ve been mistaken for him in real life, with people praising my work from films like ‘Focus.’ Upon investigating, it was always Adrian they were complimenting! It was quite surreal and amusing to be the recipient of his admiration, even though he was the one deserving the accolades. There were moments during filming when I felt as if I were losing myself in the uncanny similarity between us. It was almost too surreal to fully concentrate at times.

His character turns out to be prejudiced against severed people. That’s a sentiment that has been hinted at in the show but hasn’t been shown too much overtly. What is your sense of the broader political climate surrounding severance, within the show’s universe?

The topic is still uncertain and sparking debates. It appears to be a hot button issue, as it was initially discussed at Ricken and Devon’s dinner party in the first episode. There are student protesters and corporate spins surrounding this new procedure, suggesting that people have differing opinions on the matter.

The episode ends with Mark starting the reintegration process, merging his innie and outie memories. How might that affect his relationship with Dylan and the other innies?

It’s intriguing to observe how this current season unfolds for everyone involved, especially the innies. Last season, they were remarkably united, all working towards one common objective. However, Lumon has introduced various new challenges for them this time around. Dylan, in particular, appears to be preoccupied with preserving the privileges he’s been granted. He seems somewhat engrossed in his own affairs during this season.

Do you read fan theories about the show online?

I contribute a fair amount compared to many other cast members. I’m also more active online than most of the cast. Often, my friends will share content with me, and I even see Ben Stiller re-posting things related to the show. It’s exciting to see how involved people are with our production.

Do you ever read theories that you think could turn out to be true?

Occasionally, while immersed in a cinematic masterpiece, I find myself pausing to ponder, “Ah, what an intriguing perspective! I hadn’t considered it before, but now it makes perfect sense.” Or, “What a clever detail! It’s likely intentional and adds depth to the narrative.

Would you ever go to Ben Stiller or Dan Erickson and ask for their thoughts?

Generally, I prefer not to share my thoughts freely. I’m more comfortable avoiding inquiries. Instead, I wait for the necessary information to be presented to me at the appropriate time.

The “Severance” press tour has almost rivaled “Wicked” in terms of how many interviews you all have been doing. Is there a question you’re most sick of being asked?

I’ve found no monotony in the questions we’ve been answering. Our group dynamic, particularly during interviews, is such that we manage to keep things interesting for each other while addressing the questions at hand. We often discuss the concept of ‘innies and outies,’ which adds a layer of intrigue. However, what makes it even more enjoyable is my attempt to come up with unique analogies to explain these concepts, aiming to surprise Britt Lower and John Turturro each time. For instance, I might compare it to two adjacent slices of pizza… No matter how many times a question comes up, I always strive to present it in a new light.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2025-02-01 01:19