I Missed Ben Stiller's Musical Mash-Up for Severance and Zoolander on My Bingo Card, But This Marching Band Video Is A++++

A Surprising Collaboration Between Two Unlikely Worlds

It’s been five months since the Season 2 finale of Severance aired, and the excitement around the show hasn’t faded. From the mention of ORTBO to the unforgettable performance by Mr. Milchick’s marching band, there are still moments that bring a smile to fans’ faces. As a huge fan of the series, I never imagined that Severance would play a role in a screening of Zoolander, one of Ben Stiller’s most iconic creations. Yet here we are, witnessing a musical mash-up that no one knew they needed.

On August 16, a special showing of the 2001 comedy Zoolander took place at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The event was filled with surprises, including a surprise appearance by Ben Stiller himself, who played the exaggerated version of himself—Derek Zoolander. His presence set the tone for an evening that would turn out to be more memorable than anyone expected.

The USC marching band made a dramatic entrance, led by Tramell Tillman, who had previously portrayed the intimidating Mr. Milchick in Severance. This unexpected twist brought a wave of excitement to the crowd. While the moment was impressive, it wasn’t exactly what Stiller had in mind. According to Variety, he remarked:

“That’s great, but this is kind of more like a Zoolander thing than a Severance thing. So maybe you could, I don’t know, play like a Zoolandery type of song?”

Tramell Tillman, an Emmy-nominated actor, immediately responded by blowing his whistle, and the band launched into the Powerman 5000 song “Relax,” which appears in the movie. The choice pleased both the filmmaker and the audience, who cheered as the band left the stage and the film began.

Despite being involved in both Severance and Zoolander, it’s safe to say that few anticipated a collaboration of this nature between the two projects. However, Ben Stiller has always been known for his creativity and unpredictability. The intricate musical number in Severance Season 2 was a standout moment, especially after the unforgettable Music Dance Experience in Season 1, which became one of the best music moments of that year.

Season 2 of Severance raised the bar significantly, with Mr. Milchick engaging in a verbal battle with an animatronic Kier Eagan before leading a spirited performance to celebrate Mark S.’s completion of the Cold Harbor file. The show’s success was undeniable, evidenced by its record-breaking 27 Emmy nominations. Fans can look forward to the awards show while waiting for the next season.

As of now, the plot of Severance Season 3 remains unknown, but it will surely address the shocking decision made by Mark (Adam Scott) at the end of the finale. In the meantime, fans can continue to enjoy the first two seasons through their Apple TV+ subscriptions. Who knows when Tramell Tillman and the USC marching band might make another appearance?

For those interested in Zoolander, the film is available to stream on Netflix or Paramount+. Whether you're a long-time fan of Severance or just discovering it, there's plenty to look forward to as the story continues to unfold.