The highly acclaimed adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s influential sci-fi series, “Foundation,” is gearing up for its third season, with Apple TV+ unveiling an official trailer that provides a glimpse of the upcoming storyline.
The conclusion of the first season featured a significant time leap of 138 years, while the second season explored the Second Crisis, encompassing an impending war between the Empire and the Foundation, along with an internal enemy threatening the Empire’s stability. During this period, the Foundation employed religious propaganda tactics to attract new supporters and introduced a group of “Mentalics” possessing psionic abilities. The forthcoming third season promises another substantial time jump as it delves into what has been dubbed the Third Crisis.
According to the official synopsis, the story is set 152 years after the second season’s events. The Foundation has progressed significantly from its modest origins, whereas the Cleonic Dynasty’s Empire has been on the decline. Amid the fragile alliance between these two galactic authorities, a new threat looms in the form of a warlord referred to as “The Mule.” This formidable adversary aims to conquer the universe through brute force and psychological manipulation. As key figures like Hari Seldon, Gaal Dornick, the Cleons, and Demerzel engage in a perilous game of strategy, the outcomes of this conflict remain uncertain.
The returning cast features Lee Pace as Brother Day, Cassian Bilton as Brother Dawn, Terrence Mann as Brother Dusk, Jared Harris as Hari Seldon, Lou Llobell as Gaal, and Laura Birn as Eto Demerzel. Pilou Asbæk steps into the role of the Mule. Season three will also introduce new cast members including Alexander Siddig as Dr. Ebling Mis, a self-taught psychohistorian and Seldon admirer; Troy Kotsur as Preem Palver, leader of a planet populated by psychics; Cherry Jones as Foundation Ambassador Quent; and several others.
The trailer begins with a voiceover from Hari: “Centuries ago, when we predicted the fall of the galaxy, the Foundation was created to save humanity. But the coming darkness was always the turning point.” The arrival of the Mule is marked by Gaal’s foreboding statement that “We’re out of time.” The Mule’s menacing abilities enable him to transform “enemies into allies” and “hate into love” through what he describes as “a little nudge.”
The impact of the Mule’s influence is clearly profound, as the trailer showcases scenes of destruction, people fleeing chaos, and aerial combat. Gaal appears tasked with confronting the Mule, despite being significantly outmatched. However, with the guidance of Seldon and the collaboration between the Empire and the Foundation, humanity may still have a fighting chance.
The third season of “Foundation” is set to premiere on July 11, 2025, exclusively on Apple TV+. New episodes will be released weekly until September 12, 2025.
