The truth behind Severance: Cast explains key fan theories ahead of season 2

After three years of anticipation, the cast of Severance is finally returning to Lumon Industries with the premiere of season 2 on January 17.

Paxton Conway profile image
by Paxton Conway
The truth behind Severance: Cast explains key fan theories ahead of season 2

In the time since season 1 debuted, fans have generated a wide range of theories about the Apple TV+ thriller, from speculations about the mysterious goats to the true purpose of Lumon Industries. Ahead of the new season, Entertainment Weekly sat down with Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Britt Lower, and Zach Cherry to address some of the most popular fan theories and set the record straight on what fans have gotten right—and what they've completely misinterpreted.

One of the most talked-about theories is that Lumon might be involved in human cloning, potentially explaining the goats' role in the story. However, Scott quickly shot down this idea. "This sounds like what Lumon would be doing in a super boring version of Severance," he quipped. Arquette added, "You are very far off and wrong," emphasizing that fans were way off with that particular theory.

On the topic of the show's theme music, fans noticed a technique called pedal point used to create tension. Scott confirmed that the music is intentional and revealed that the composer, Teddy Shapiro, even won an Emmy for the iconic theme. "My daughter figured out how to play the Severance theme song from YouTube... it doesn’t surprise me that Teddy is using a complicated technique like this because he’s brilliant," Scott said.

Fans were also eager to know more about the Outie lives of the characters, particularly Dylan, whose life outside the office was only briefly touched upon in season 1. Scott teased that season 2 will offer more insight into these characters' personal lives. "Now that we saw the MDR crew's Outies walking into season 2, we suddenly have twice as many characters, which is an incredible opportunity because we have these unbelievable actors," he said.

Color themes in the show have also sparked fan theories. Arquette confirmed that the colors, from the characters' clothing to the sets and lighting, are significant. "There have definitely been conversations about different color schemes in different divisions of Lumon and what colors upper management is allowed to wear compared to others," she revealed, hinting that the color choices may hold deeper meaning.

As for the goats, one fan theory that has captured the cast's attention suggests that the goats could represent the mysterious "board" of Lumon. Cherry expressed his openness to the idea: "It’s possible the goats could be the board," but Turturro disagreed, "I’m debunking it." The truth behind the goats remains uncertain.

Turturro also addressed the fan theory surrounding the love story between Irving (Turturro) and Burt (Christopher Walken), wondering if their repeated romantic encounters are the result of multiple resets. "I think your theory and my theories, we diverge," Turturro teased, leaving fans with more questions than answers.

Lastly, Arquette dismissed a popular theory that Severance is merely a psychological experiment involving meaningless data. "You're wrong," she said, clarifying that the numbers in the show actually hold significance.

As Severance season 2 approaches, fans will undoubtedly continue to speculate, but the cast has made it clear that some of their most popular theories are far from the truth. Keep watching to uncover the secrets of Lumon Industries when the new season premieres on January 17.

Paxton Conway profile image
by Paxton Conway

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