Severance Creator Reveals How Zach Cherry's Performance Changed Everything

Severance Creator Dan Erickson Reveals How Zach Cherry Reshaped Dylan's Hilarious Persona Apple TV+'s Severance has captivated audiences with its unique premise and compelling characters. Recently, at TheWrap's Showrunners & Creators of Emmy Season event, creator Dan Erickson shared a fascinating story about the evolution of Dylan, played by Zach Cherry. Initially, Erickson envisioned Dylan as a high-energy, almost frantic character, describing him as having "cocaine energy." However, Cherry's interpretation took an unexpected turn, transforming Dylan into a hilariously deadpan presence. "I initially envisioned him as this really kind of twitchy, almost like, like cocaine energy kind of guy who's, like, all over the place," Erickson explained. But Cherry's performance surprised Erickson and the production team, leading to a significant shift in the character's portrayal. "And then this guy Zach Cherry comes in, who is the most even-keel human being," Erickson said. The result was a character that was both unexpectedly funny and deeply engaging. Erickson emphasized the importance of collaboration and being open to actors' creative input. "I just learned who this character is, along with everybody else in the room," he stated, highlighting the serendipitous nature of the creative process. This unexpected collaboration resulted in a character that resonated strongly with audiences and became a standout element of the show. The story underscores the value of embracing unexpected creative choices and trusting the actors' instincts.