Severance Star Adam Scott: 'There’s Nothing Wrong with Being Told That You Resemble Tom Cruise'
Adam Scott, best known for his roles in Severance and Parks and Recreation, opens up about his career, from working with Martin Scorsese to chatting about cinema with the pope and delivering calzones to stoners. In a candid interview, he reflects on the nuances of his craft, his nervous tendencies, and the unexpected perks of fame.
The Art of the Severance Elevator Scene
One of the most iconic moments in Severance is the elevator scene, where Scott’s face undergoes a subtle transformation as his character shifts between his 'innie' and 'outie' personas. Scott explains that this was a meticulously crafted effect. 'We worked on that for a long time, trying to figure out what specifically happens in the elevator. We must have tried 100 times before we landed on it. Eventually, Ben [Stiller, the director] suggested a subtle fluttering of my eyelids,' he says.
Working with Martin Scorsese on The Aviator
Scott recalls being initially intimidated by working with the legendary director on The Aviator. 'I was pretty freaked out at first. But once you’re there, you realise these are just regular people who happen to be actors figuring out a scene. Everyone was extremely kind and generous to me and made me feel comfortable straight away.' He highlights Scorsese’s collaborative style, noting how the director encourages improvisation. 'I’m in one scene with Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett and Jude Law on this giant Cocoanut Grove set. You really get a sense of the respect people have for Scorsese, because, between takes, you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was focused on making the best possible movie. But within that context, it was also loose, collaborative and great fun.'
Playing Nervous Characters
Scott has often been cast as nervous characters, a trait he admits stems from his own audition nerves. 'When I was starting out, I was cast as nervous characters, because I was nervous in all my auditions. So the only roles I would get were ones where I was a nervous person. It’s kind of a default setting for me. Maybe I am the go-to nervous guy, who knows? But I’ve worked on it.'
Feeling at Home in Ireland for Hokum
Scott’s new film Hokum, in which he plays a horror writer visiting Ireland to scatter his parents’ ashes, allowed him to connect with his Celtic roots. 'It’s difficult not to feel at home when you’re in Skibbereen in west Cork. I got to stay at the Liss Ard estate, one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. And the people are the loveliest. No matter who you are, you’re going to feel at home there.'
The Tom Cruise Comparison
Scott is often told he resembles Tom Cruise, a comparison he takes as a compliment. 'I do get it every once in a while. I mean, it’s a huge compliment. I love Tom Cruise, I love his work and I think he looks spectacular. There’s nothing wrong with being told that you resemble Tom Cruise. Maybe we could play brothers.'
Love for REM
Scott is a lifelong fan of REM and explains what drew him to the band. 'When I became aware of REM, there was still a lot of mystery around them. They weren’t in their own music videos. Even if you bought one of their albums, it was hard to find a photo of them and you couldn’t understand what Michael Stipe was saying. The music was weird. The song structures were different. But at the same time, it was pop music – hooky, and the songwriting was bulletproof. It had just enough mystery and weirdness while still scratching that pop itch. Their clothes were cool, they had cool hair, so when I was a teenager, I immediately connected with them. I still think they’re the best American band ever.'
Calzones and Parks and Recreation
Scott’s character in Parks and Recreation is known for his love of calzones, but in real life, Scott has a more practical perspective. 'Well, not to be a stickler, but I believe mozzarella is cheese, right? So saying “cheese and mozzarella” is not only redundant, but makes me question everything. You can’t go wrong with pepperoni. But I haven’t had that many calzones in my life. They do get sent to my table in restaurants from time to time. I’m always appreciative, so I take a photo – and thank Mike Schur for this lifelong calzone ghost that’s following me around.' He recalls delivering calzones as a pizza delivery driver in the early 1990s, noting that they were popular with stoners. 'I would deliver three calzones, two pints of Ben & Jerry’s and a Cheech & Chong movie, because we would rent videotapes as well. It was always the stoners renting the trippy movie, ice-cream and the calzones.'
Parks and Rec Reunion?
Scott doubts there will be another reunion of the beloved show. 'I doubt it, but that’s above my pay grade. That’s Amy [Poehler] and Mike’s decision – they’re the keepers of the flame. It was a dream job and I’m proud to say none of us took it for granted. We all loved being there and knew how lucky we were. We were perpetually on the verge of cancellation while we were making the show. People loved it, but it wasn’t watched by enormous numbers at the time. It’s certainly grown in popularity since then, and I’m happy it has.'
Meeting Pope Leo XIV
Scott describes meeting Pope Leo XIV last year as a fascinating experience. 'I think Pope Leo is terrific. I’m not Catholic – I’m probably closer to agnostic – but it was fascinating just being at the Vatican. I’ve really admired the stances he’s taken. He’s not afraid of the Trump administration and doesn’t stand for any of their bullshit. I don’t really know why I was invited, but I was delighted and jumped at the chance. He was talking about the importance of movies – specifically how movie theatres are communal places for people to come together and share experiences in a world where that’s becoming less and less common. He was really encouraging us, as a creative community, to keep making movies, to keep putting movies in cinemas, and encouraging exhibitors to keep their movie theatres open.'
Severance and Fame
Since Severance, Scott has noticed a change in how people recognize him. 'Post-Severance, different people come up and talk to me, because people are really engaged with the show intellectually. It certainly has a very passionate fanbase. I’m hopefully less nervous than I used to be. But if you ever see me on a talkshow, just know that, five seconds before I walk out, I’m considering running out of the building.'
Hokum is in UK, Irish and US cinemas from 1 May.
