CUPERTINO, CA — In a move that ensures the future of Lumon Industries remains firmly within its grasp, Apple has officially acquired the intellectual property and all rights to its hit sci-fi thriller, Severance. The deal, valued at approximately $70 million, marks a major shift as the series moves from being a licensed original to a fully in-house production.
Previously produced by independent studio Fifth Season, the series will now be spearheaded by Apple Studios starting with the upcoming third season.
The Fine Print of the Buyout
While the show has been the crown jewel of Apple TV+ since its 2022 debut, Apple did not originally own the underlying IP. This acquisition mirrors the strategy Apple used with the sci-fi drama Silo, effectively bringing its most valuable “mystery box” franchises under one roof.
- Production Shift: Apple Studios is now the primary production entity.
- The Creative Team: Fans can breathe a sigh of relief; creator Dan Erickson and director/executive producer Ben Stiller are staying on board.
- Fifth Season’s Role: The original studio will remain attached as an executive producer but will no longer hold the keys to the kingdom.
A Growing “Severance” Universe?
The acquisition isn’t just about administrative control—it’s about expansion. With Season 2 having wrapped its record-breaking run in early 2025 (garnering 27 Emmy nominations), Apple is looking far beyond the basement of Lumon.
”The deal provides Apple the flexibility to explore prequels, spinoffs, and even international versions of the show,” noted industry analysts.
Reports indicate that while the main series is currently envisioned as a four-season arc, the door is now wide open for “The Lumon Cinematic Universe.”
Production Timeline
For those counting the days until their next trip to the severed floor, the wait might be getting shorter:
- Season 3: Scripts are reportedly nearly complete, with filming targeted to begin this summer.
- Season 4: Already confirmed as part of the new deal’s roadmap.
With Season 2 reportedly costing upwards of $20 million per episode, bringing the production in-house allows Apple to better manage the ballooning budgets and complex logistics that have led to multi-year gaps between seasons in the past.
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