How Zach Cherry's Audition Rewrote His Severance Character

Zach Cherry's Audition Rewrote His Severance Character: How Improv Skills and a 'Most Even-Keeled Human' Performance Changed a Show. The Apple TV+ series Severance has captivated audiences with its unique premise and compelling characters. But the journey of one character, Dylan, took an unexpected turn thanks to the audition of actor Zach Cherry. According to Severance creator Dan Erickson, speaking at a recent panel hosted by The Wrap, Cherry's audition was so different from the initial vision that the character was essentially rewritten around his strengths. "I initially envisioned him as this twitchy, almost cocaine-energy kind of guy," Erickson stated. However, Cherry's calm and grounded performance was a revelation. "Then this guy comes in, who's the most even-keeled human being mathematically that could exist," Erickson added. Showrunner Lauren LaFranca echoed this sentiment, noting that Cristin Milioti's audition was equally thrilling and impactful. This highlights the unpredictable nature of casting and how a performer's unique qualities can elevate a role beyond initial expectations. The story of Cherry's audition is a testament to the power of improvisation and the importance of adapting creative visions to the strengths of talented actors.