It’s not clear whether “Severance” — Apple TV+’s mind-bending workplace thriller whose Season 2 budget reportedly topped $200 million — will deliver payback for the tech company. But Apple boss Tim Cook is doing his part to drive tune-in for Team Lumon.
Cook stars in a “Severance”-themed promo video released Friday by Apple. In the spot, Cook is reporting for work at the mysterious Lumon Industries as a “severed” employee, having undergone a surgical procedure to divide his identity between work and personal life.
Cook’s grim-faced Outie enters the Lumon elevator; as he descends to the building’s severed floor, he breaks into a smile as his Innie persona takes over. After walking through Lumon’s maze-like hallways, the CEO is greeted by Mr. Milchick, the somewhat menacing Lumon supervisor played by Tramell Tillman.
“Tim C.,” Mr. Milchick says. “Core of the Apple. Please have a seat.” Cook obediently sits in front of a monitor, which displays “Severance Season 2” on the screen. (Watch the video below.)
Ben Stiller, “Severance” executive producer and director, posted the video on X Friday with the caption, “Was helping this new guy find his office this morning…” Cook gamely quoted Stiller’s post and wrote, “Ready to clock in for episode 2!”
Apple TV+ premiered Season 2 of “Severance” with the first episode on Jan. 17. New episodes of the 10-episode series are releasing Fridays through March 21. The show comes from Stiller and creator, writer and executive producer Dan Erickson. “Severance” is produced by Fifth Season.
SEE ALSO: ‘Severance’ Season 2 Character Guide: Who’s Who at Lumon
“Severance” stars Adam Scott as severed Lumon employee Mark Scout. In the second season, Mark and his co-workers learn “the dire consequences of trifling with the severance barrier, leading them further down a path of woe,” according to Apple TV+’s description.
Season 2 reunites its ensemble cast that includes Scott, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, Zach Cherry, Jen Tullock, Michael Chernus, Dichen Lachman, John Turturro, Christopher Walken and Patricia Arquette, and welcomes new series regular Sarah Bock.
Watch the promo clip with Cook:
