Severance actor Adam Scott on filming in west Cork: ‘I was the American weirdo upstairs. I loved it’
Severance actor Adam Scott on filming in west Cork: ‘I was the American weirdo upstairs. I loved it’
Adam Scott, the versatile actor known for his roles in "Parks and Recreation" and the critically acclaimed "Severance," has recently opened up about his transformative experience filming in the rugged, mystical landscape of West Cork, Ireland. While working on the Netflix series "Bodkin," a dark comedy-thriller that satirizes the true-crime podcast phenomenon, Scott found himself immersed in a culture far removed from the polished streets of Los Angeles. Living in the small, tight-knit fishing village of Union Hall, Scott embraced his status as a newcomer. His humorous reflection on being the "American weirdo upstairs" captured the hearts of fans and locals alike, highlighting a rare moment where a Hollywood star truly connected with a sense of place. This journey to the edge of the Atlantic wasn't just a work assignment; it was a deep dive into the soul of Irish storytelling and community life.
Adam Scott's time filming in West Cork was defined by his stay in Union Hall, where he lived in an apartment above a local shop, describing himself as the "American weirdo upstairs." He spent several months in the region filming the Netflix series "Bodkin," praising the authentic hospitality of the Cork people and the breathtaking scenery of Glandore and the surrounding coastline. Scott noted that the experience of being an outsider in such a specific, culturally rich environment provided the perfect backdrop for his character, Gilbert Power, a podcaster searching for a story in a land full of secrets. The actor’s genuine affection for the "weirdness" of his situation and the beauty of the Irish landscape has made this one of his most talked-about career experiences.
Adam Scott’s Irish Adventure: Why West Cork?
The choice of West Cork as a filming location for "Bodkin" was no accident. The region is famous for its "wild" nature, both in terms of geography and spirit. For Adam Scott, arriving in this part of Ireland was a stark contrast to the sterile, symmetrical hallways of the Lumon Industries set in "Severance." West Cork offers a palette of deep greens, slate grays, and the unpredictable blues of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a place where the weather can change four times in an hour, a fact that Scott often mentioned in interviews with a sense of wonder rather than frustration.
Union Hall, the village that served as Scott's home during the shoot, is a traditional fishing port. It isn't a place designed for tourists; it is a place where people live and work. By staying in an apartment above a local premises, Scott wasn't shielded from the reality of the village in a high-end hotel. He was part of the daily rhythm. He witnessed the arrival of the fishing boats, the morning rush for milk and newspapers, and the evening settle into the local pubs. This groundedness is what Scott referred to when he spoke about "loving" the experience. For an actor who often plays characters dealing with corporate alienation or suburban ennui, the raw authenticity of West Cork was a refreshing change of pace.
The production of "Bodkin" sought to capture the "thin places" of Ireland—locations where the barrier between the mundane and the supernatural feels permeable. West Cork is filled with such spots, from ancient stone circles to hidden coves. Scott’s presence in these locations helped ground the series' satirical elements in a palpable sense of reality. He wasn't just an actor on a green screen; he was a man standing in the wind at Drumadoon Pier, feeling the spray of the sea, which undoubtedly influenced his performance as a man out of his element.
The 'American Weirdo' Experience: Navigating Local Culture
The phrase "American weirdo upstairs" has become a point of pride for Scott. It suggests a level of self-awareness that is often lacking in celebrity travelogues. Scott understood that to the residents of Union Hall, he was a curiosity—a famous face from "Step Brothers" or "Big Little Lies" suddenly appearing in their grocery store. Rather than retreating into celebrity isolation, Scott leaned into the awkwardness. He frequented local establishments and took the time to understand the local "craic" (the Irish term for fun, entertainment, and enjoyable conversation).
West Cork culture is notoriously distinct from the rest of Ireland. It has long been a haven for artists, writers, and those seeking an alternative lifestyle, mixed with generational farming and fishing families. This mix creates a community that is welcoming but also possesses a sharp, dry wit. Scott found himself on the receiving end of this Irish humor, which he found endearing. Being the "weirdo" meant he was allowed to observe without the pressure of fitting in perfectly, a perspective that mirrored his character Gilbert’s role as a podcaster investigating a foreign culture.
His stories of living in Union Hall often involve the simple pleasures: a perfectly poured pint of stout, the specific sound of the rain on the roof, and the warmth of a peat fire. He spoke about the "peace" he found there, away from the constant noise of the American entertainment industry. This connection to the local environment wasn't just about the scenery; it was about the people. The people of Cork are known for their talkativeness and their storytelling prowess, traits that Scott found invaluable while filming a show that is fundamentally about the power (and danger) of stories.
Bodkin: The Netflix Series that Brought Scott to Ireland
"Bodkin" is a significant departure from the roles that have recently defined Adam Scott's career. While "Severance" is a cold, calculated look at the workplace, "Bodkin" is a sprawling, messy, and darkly funny exploration of the true-crime industry. Scott plays Gilbert Power, an American podcaster whose career is on the rocks. Gilbert travels to Ireland to investigate a decades-old disappearance in a small town, accompanied by a cynical investigative journalist and an enthusiastic researcher.
The series, produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions, uses the Irish setting as more than just a backdrop. The town of Bodkin (a fictionalized version of West Cork villages) is a character in itself. It is a place where everyone knows everyone else’s business, but no one is willing to tell the truth to a stranger with a microphone. Scott’s Gilbert is the ultimate outsider, his American optimism and "sensitivity" clashing with the guarded, often hilarious stoicism of the locals.
Filming "Bodkin" required Scott to spend long days on location across various parts of County Cork and County Wicklow. However, the heart of the production remained in the west. The series highlights the global fascination with "Irish noir," a subgenre that blends traditional mystery elements with the unique social and historical landscape of Ireland. For Scott, being the lead in such a high-profile international production meant carrying the responsibility of representing the American perspective within this Irish framework, a task he handled with his signature blend of vulnerability and comedic timing.
| Aspect of Filming | Experience in West Cork |
|---|---|
| Primary Location | Union Hall, Glandore, and West Cork region |
| Accommodation Style | Living in a local apartment above a village shop |
| Local Interaction | Immersive "American weirdo" experience in local pubs |
| Series Context | Netflix's "Bodkin" true-crime satire |
| Atmosphere | Rugged Atlantic beauty and authentic Irish "craic" |
Life in Union Hall: A Hollywood Star in a Small Village
Union Hall is the kind of place where the Atlantic Ocean dictates the pace of life. For Adam Scott, the transition from the fast-paced environment of a major television production to the quietude of a Cork village was profound. Union Hall is connected to the mainland by the narrow Poulgorm Bridge, a landmark that symbolizes the sense of crossing into a different world. When Scott talked about being the "weirdo upstairs," he was acknowledging the physical reality of his living situation—right in the thick of village life.
During his time in Union Hall, Scott was often spotted at local favorites like Dinty’s or The Coffee Shop. The locals generally respected his privacy, which is a hallmark of Irish hospitality; they are happy to have you there but won't make a "fuss" in a way that makes you uncomfortable. This allowed Scott to experience a level of normalcy that is difficult to find in the United States. He could walk to the pier, watch the trawlers come in, and feel like just another resident, albeit one with a recognizable face and a different accent.
The "upstairs" part of his quote is also literal. Many of the buildings in Union Hall have businesses on the ground floor and residences above. By living in this manner, Scott was part of the vertical life of the street. He could hear the conversations below and feel the pulse of the village. This immersion provided him with a wealth of observations that he brought to his role. Gilbert Power is a character who wants to belong but never quite can, and Scott’s real-life experience of being a well-liked but ultimately foreign presence in Union Hall served as the perfect research.
The Allure of West Cork as a Filming Destination
West Cork has been attracting filmmakers for decades, but recent years have seen an explosion in its popularity. From "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" to "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" (filmed further up the coast but sharing that Atlantic energy), the region provides an epic scale that is hard to find elsewhere. For the producers of "Bodkin," West Cork offered the perfect blend of beauty and mystery. The winding roads, hidden valleys, and fog-shrouded hills create a natural suspense that no set designer could replicate.
The Irish film industry has also become incredibly sophisticated. When Adam Scott arrived to film, he wasn't just bringing Hollywood talent; he was joining a highly skilled local crew. The "American weirdo" was supported by Irish cinematographers, sound engineers, and costume designers who knew how to work with the challenging Irish weather. This collaboration is part of what makes modern Irish television and film so successful on the global stage. They take international stars like Scott and place them in environments that feel lived-in and historically deep.
Moreover, the hospitality of the region extends to the film industry itself. Local councils and communities in Cork have become very adept at facilitating large-scale shoots. They understand that bringing a production like "Bodkin" to Union Hall provides a significant economic boost and puts the region on the map for international tourism. For Scott, this professional yet welcoming atmosphere made the long months away from home much easier to bear. He wasn't just a visitor; he was a guest of honor in a community that values its place in the world.
From Severance to the Emerald Isle: A Career Shift
Adam Scott’s career has undergone a fascinating evolution. After years of being a reliable comedic presence in films like "Step Brothers" and "Parks and Recreation," he pivoted to high-concept drama with "Severance." His performance as Mark Scout was a masterclass in suppressed emotion and corporate dread. Moving from the "severed" basement of Lumon to the expansive fields of West Cork for "Bodkin" represents a balanced middle ground in his career path.
In "Severance," the environment is the enemy—a sterile, unchanging labyrinth. In "Bodkin," the environment is the catalyst—a wild, evolving landscape that forces the characters to confront their own secrets. Scott’s ability to play the "everyman" in both of these extreme settings is a testament to his range. He can be the relatable office worker or the ambitious podcaster, always maintaining a core of humanity that the audience can connect with. His time in Ireland allowed him to flex his comedic muscles again, but with the added depth he has developed through his dramatic work.
Fans of "Severance" might find Gilbert Power to be a more vocal and active version of the characters Scott plays so well. Gilbert is searching for meaning in a world that feels increasingly fragmented, a theme that resonates across all of Scott's recent projects. By stepping out of the "prestige TV" bubble of Los Angeles and into the "American weirdo" life in Cork, Scott has shown a willingness to take risks and explore new modes of storytelling. This versatility is likely what will keep him at the forefront of the industry for years to come.
Collaborating with the Cast and Crew of Bodkin
A major part of Scott’s enjoyment in West Cork was the camaraderie he shared with his co-stars. "Bodkin" features a brilliant ensemble cast, including Siobhán Cullen and Robyn Cara. The chemistry between the three leads—the cynical local, the naive researcher, and the ambitious American—is the engine of the show. Filming on location in small villages meant the cast spent a lot of time together outside of filming hours, fostering a genuine bond that is visible on screen.
Scott often spoke about learning from his Irish colleagues. The Irish approach to acting and production often involves a "get on with it" attitude that contrasts with the sometimes precious nature of Hollywood sets. There is a lack of pretension that Scott found refreshing. Whether it was standing in a bog in the pouring rain or trying to navigate a narrow country lane in a production van, the crew handled it all with a sense of humor and professionalism. This shared experience of "battling the elements" created a unique environment for creativity.
The production also utilized a vast number of local extras and supporting actors from across County Cork. For Scott, interacting with these performers added another layer of authenticity to his experience. He wasn't just acting with professionals; he was acting with people whose families had lived in these villages for centuries. This "local flavor" is what gives "Bodkin" its unique texture, and Scott was clearly energized by the opportunity to be part of such a culturally specific project.
What’s Next for Adam Scott: Severance Season 2 and Beyond
While the world waits for the highly anticipated second season of "Severance," Adam Scott’s time in Ireland has left a lasting impression on him. He has frequently expressed a desire to return to Cork, not just for work but for leisure. The "American weirdo upstairs" may have moved out of the Union Hall apartment, but he has become a lifelong advocate for the region. As "Severance" Season 2 prepares to dive back into the dark mysteries of the Lumon corporation, Scott brings with him the perspective gained from his Irish hiatus.
The success of "Bodkin" on Netflix has further cemented Scott’s status as a leading man who can carry complex, international projects. His ability to navigate the line between humor and suspense is exactly what modern audiences are looking for. Beyond "Severance," Scott has several projects in development, but his experience in West Cork will likely remain a highlight of his career. It served as a reminder that even for someone at the top of their game in Hollywood, there is still value in being the "weirdo" in a new place, learning new stories, and seeing the world from a different vantage point.
As fans look forward to seeing more of Scott on their screens, they can appreciate the journey he took to the edge of Ireland. It was a journey that provided him with a new sense of community, a deeper appreciation for the art of the story, and a title he wears with pride. West Cork didn't just provide a location for a TV show; it provided a home for one of the most talented actors of his generation, if only for a few "weird" and wonderful months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adam Scott in West Cork
- Where exactly did Adam Scott live while filming in Cork? Adam Scott lived in an apartment in the village of Union Hall, West Cork, which he famously described as living as the "American weirdo upstairs" above a local business.
- What is the name of the show Adam Scott filmed in Ireland? The show is titled "Bodkin," a Netflix dark comedy-thriller series about true-crime podcasters investigating a disappearance in an Irish town.
- Did Adam Scott enjoy his time in West Cork? Yes, he has spoken very highly of the experience in multiple interviews, praising the hospitality of the locals, the beauty of the landscape, and the unique "weirdness" of his living situation.
- What other famous roles is Adam Scott known for? He is most famous for playing Ben Wyatt in "Parks and Recreation," Mark Scout in "Severance," and Henry Pollard in "Party Down."
- Will there be a second season of Bodkin? While Netflix has not officially confirmed a second season yet, the show has received positive reviews and has been a trending topic, making a renewal possible.
Conclusion
Adam Scott's journey to West Cork serves as a beautiful reminder of the magic that happens when Hollywood meets the heritage of rural Ireland. By embracing his role as the "American weirdo upstairs," Scott was able to bypass the usual celebrity disconnect and find a genuine sense of belonging in the village of Union Hall. His praise for the region—from its rugged Atlantic coast to its sharp-witted people—has shone a spotlight on West Cork as a world-class filming destination and a place of profound cultural depth. As "Bodkin" continues to captivate audiences on Netflix, the story of its lead actor’s personal connection to the setting remains as compelling as the mystery on screen. For Adam Scott, Ireland was more than a backdrop; it was a profound experience of community, humor, and natural beauty that he will likely cherish throughout his career.
Severance actor Adam Scott on filming in west Cork: ‘I was the American weirdo upstairs. I loved it’
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