Severance isn’t your typical series; it’s a gripping sci-fi drama that mixes humor, horror, and a deep focus on its characters. Set mostly in a strange office that feels like it’s from the ’70s, the story unfolds in a modern-ish world. Despite its confined setting, the cars featured in Severance have sparked plenty of conversations, especially since Season 2 kicked off in January. Curious about the vehicles on the show, we spoke with prop master Catherine Miller and car supervisor Peter Dancy about their choices.
Editor’s Note: If you’re still catching up on Severance, don’t worry; no big spoilers ahead. Even newcomers will find this exploration of cars in TV storytelling interesting.
Everything in Severance feels unsettling, and that’s intentional. The style and tone are designed to reflect the characters’ confusion. One key element in creating this atmosphere is the car selection. The show’s producers wanted to avoid marking a specific time period, opting for vehicles that evoke ambiguity. As a result, they ended up choosing some unusual cars that contribute to the show’s distinctive vibe.
Why are there no modern cars?
“Cars define a character and a story,” explains Miller. They help set the time and place of the narrative.
In Severance, the main characters live in two starkly different worlds: the sterile, controlled environment of Lumon and the outside world. This division made it crucial for the creatures of the “innie” world to have a defined aesthetic. Miller notes that this world had to feel curated and a bit retro. Thus, they opted for a vintage look, extending that vibe to the outside world through the cars.
When it came to the outside world, they wanted the cars to evoke nostalgia. Dancy says this approach was intentional, allowing the cars to fit in seamlessly with the rest of the show’s aesthetic, without pinpointing a specific era. They had to inspire a sense of timelessness.
Miller notes that they did consider guidelines for the car selection, mostly focusing on aesthetics rather than strict cut-off dates for the cars. The sharp angles and clean lines of vehicles from the ’70s to ’90s matched the show’s brutalist architecture and also looked better on camera.
As for the car choices, the production team prioritized their look over branding. They intentionally stripped away any logos or identifying features, even using custom labels for items like the beer in Mark’s fridge. The goal was to create an alternate reality devoid of explicit branding, which can anchor a setting in time.
How were the cars selected?
The script is the starting point. The talented writer Dan Erickson created a rich world populated with complex characters, which guided the decisions for vehicle choices.
The process is collaborative. Dancy likened his role to casting actors, where he envisions which cars suit each character. “It’s like visual storytelling through their vehicles,” he explained. He considers how each character’s personality fits their choice of car.
Dancy would brainstorm multiple options for each character, presenting them to the team, including Stiller and cinematographer Jessica Lee Gagne. The crew carefully assesses each vehicle’s fit and visual appeal, weighing in on various details.
Once a car is selected—like Dylan’s minivan—Dancy is responsible for sourcing multiple versions. Interestingly, he didn’t rely on traditional rental companies but instead found cars across online marketplaces and sometimes even approached owners directly. Dancy often left cards on desirable cars, hoping for a lead on potential purchases.
The real challenge came when duplicate cars were needed. Dancy often put in hundreds of miles a week, hauling vehicles between his workshop and various locations, tweaking each car until they were all identical. For example, they would ensure consistent paint jobs and interior details across the board.
The show focuses mostly on its people, but cars do occasionally pop up, particularly in background roles. These scenes were carefully curated, ensuring that the featured cars contributed meaningfully to the frame without distracting from the narrative.
In Lumon’s parking lot, while there are hundreds of cars shown, only a limited number were physically there. The crew used a combination of physical vehicles and VFX to populate the lot, balancing practicality with visual storytelling.
Why was each car picked for its character?
Mark Scout (Adam Scott)—the protagonist—drives a ’90s Volvo, embodying his sensible, cautious nature. The choice was reinforced by his backstory, with producers wanting a vehicle that felt safe after he experienced a personal loss.
Dylan (Zach Cherry), a family man, drives a classic Dodge Caravan from the ’80s. This nod to nostalgia directly reflects the character’s family-oriented personality. Miller notes, “Everyone’s mom had one of those!”
Devon Scout-Hale (Jen Tullock), Mark’s sister, rolls in a stylish Range Rover, reflecting her character’s affluence and practicality. This choice communicates her lifestyle effectively.
One standout character is Seth Milchick (Tramell Tillman), who has a motorcycle. The choice was a late edition, driven by the need to communicate his isolated nature while also enhancing the show’s tension. Miller notes it reflects a mysterious aspect of his character.
Cobel (Patricia Arquette) stands out with her classic 1968 Lincoln Continental, chosen for its aesthetic and iconic design. According to Dancy, it was all about that old-school charm.
However, the real gem is the Mk1 Volkswagen Rabbit, which is driven by Cobel. Dancy faced challenges finding four-door models that met specific requirements, leading to a unique solution involving engine swaps, just to achieve the right look.
Miller says the visual impact of Cobel’s Rabbit resonated with the team, especially with its metaphorical ties to the character. Production designer Hindle shared his personal connection to the vehicle, citing nostalgia as a key factor in its selection.
The show’s allure lies in its mystery and deeper meanings that can unfold in later episodes. The cars serve as more than mere transportation; they reflect the unique identities of the characters and mesh beautifully with the eerie atmosphere of Severance.
Have any insights on car choices in film and TV? Let us know!
Check out this related article: 25 Years Later: Why the Ending of American Psycho Continues to Confuse Audiences
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