Is Milchick a prisoner in Severance? Theory addressed by Tramell Tillman himself

The Apple TV+ series Severance has led to many fan theories about its characters, including Seth Milchick, played by Tramell Tillman. One popular idea is that Milchick may be a prisoner inside Lumon Industries, just like the employees he oversees. Tillman, who has received an Emmy nomination for his performance, addressed this theory directly.

According to Variety, he said,

“I can understand that theory. It’s hard for me to answer because there are so many questions that I have about the character myself.”

Tillman explained that the uncertainty about Milchick’s role is part of what makes him unsettling.

“What scares me is his potential. How he moves his eyes, how he moves his head. Everything is methodical,” he said.

While he did not confirm or deny the prisoner theory, his comments indicate that even he, as the actor, does not have the full backstory.

The discussion of Milchick’s possible imprisonment comes alongside Tillman’s own journey, from coming out to his family to working alongside Tom Cruise to making history as the first openly gay Black man nominated in the supporting actor drama category.

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Tillman’s perspective on Milchick’s possible backstory in Severance

In Severance, Milchick serves as the liaison between Lumon’s management and the severed employees. The theory that he could be a prisoner, too, has gained traction among viewers.

Tillman described the way he approaches the role:

“This man has layers upon layers upon layers, and every movement of Milchick is 100% intentional.”

According to Noah Greenshner, executive vice president of development and production at Fifth Season, Tillman

“brings so much subtle humor and menace” to the role, making audiences “laugh while making you afraid.”

The actor also spoke about how Milchick’s demeanor, the way he uses his eyes and head, is deliberately crafted. This deliberate manner adds to the mystery around the character, allowing room for interpretations like the prisoner theory to exist without being resolved.

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The human side of Milchick and cultural influence

While the show has yet to reveal Milchick’s full history, Tillman has considered what exploring that human side could look like. He said he is

“always intrigued by people’s histories” and would like to understand “where this man came from.”

One of the standout scenes for the character was the drum sequence in Severance Season 2. Tillman wanted the scene to avoid stereotypes, even while incorporating authentic cultural elements. He requested that the sequence have the energy of a historically Black college or university (HBCU) celebration.

He said the moment was not only for the character Mark but also for Milchick himself:

“Just like Tramell needed to be seen, Milchick needed to be seen.”

By infusing real cultural references into the scene, Tillman ensured that Milchick’s identity did not shy away from his Blackness. This choice gave depth to a character who otherwise might remain an enigma within the corporate setting of Severance.

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Delays, career milestones, and the ongoing mystery

Season 1 of Severance was filmed during the pandemic, which mirrored the show’s themes of isolation. Season 2 faced delays due to industry strikes. Tillman admitted he was nervous about whether fans would return after the hiatus, but he was

“grateful that they did.”

During this time, Tillman also appeared in Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, acting alongside Tom Cruise. He received the script only the day before shooting his first scene. He recalled being

“shaking in my boots” but noted Cruise’s “strength, grace, humility and passion.”

Tillman’s Emmy nomination marks a historic moment. He is the first openly gay Black man nominated in the supporting actor drama category, which has never had a Black winner. When asked if this felt weighty, he said,

“Do I feel a weight? No. I feel honored to join the legacy of these incredible storytellers.”

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Tillman’s comments suggest that Milchick’s story in Severance is still largely unknown, even to the actor himself. Whether Milchick is a prisoner or something else entirely remains an open question for future seasons to address.