The wait is almost over! After a thrilling and dramatic season 2, fans of Foundation are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the saga. Apple TV+ has confirmed that a third season is on the way, and the buzz surrounding its release is palpable.
Will there be a season 3 of Foundation?
Yes, indeed! The announcement came in December 2023, with Apple TV+ confirming that the series would return for its highly anticipated third season. Matt Cherniss, the head of programming at the streaming platform, couldn’t hide his excitement in the official press release:
“Seeing Foundation become such a massive success has been truly gratifying, with audiences around the world remaining hooked week after week by this dramatic and fascinating journey toward saving humanity.”
David S. Goyer, the showrunner, also expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’m thrilled that Apple has given us the opportunity to continue Isaac Asimov’s groundbreaking galactic saga.”
The cherry on top? Season 4 has also been confirmed, and Ian Goldberg is set to take over as executive producer and showrunner for it.
“Foundation” has been renewed for Season 3 at Apple TV+.
— Variety (@Variety) December 5, 2023
“I’m thrilled Apple has given us the opportunity to continue chronicling Asimov’s pioneering galactic saga," says showrunner David S. Goyer. https://t.co/VTt9ZrlWe9
When will Foundation season 3 be released?
Filming for season 3 began in June 2023, with the crew shooting in Most, Czech Republic, a city just 93 kilometers from Prague. The brutalist architecture of the Repre Cultural Center made for the perfect backdrop to the series’ distinctive aesthetic. However, production wasn’t without its hurdles. Hollywood strikes and some internal budget issues led to two pauses in filming. Even David S. Goyer, the co-creator, left the project along with producer Laurie Borg in 2024, creating more behind-the-scenes challenges.
Despite these obstacles, filming was eventually completed, and the official release date is set for July 11, 2025.
What will season 3 of Foundation be about?
The creative team behind Foundation, including Goyer and Josh Friedman, has taken significant liberties with the source material, which is famously complex. While season 2 loosely adapted parts of Asimov’s The Merchant Princes and The General novels, the third season is expected to delve into The Mule — a pivotal novel in the Foundation saga.
In an interview, Goyer confirmed this shift: “This time, the stakes are even higher for both the Foundation and the Empire, as The Mule makes his entrance, alongside the beloved characters Bayta, Toran, and Magnifico Giganticus.”
For those who haven’t read the books, The Mule is a mutant with the ability to control emotions, using this power to conquer the galaxy and form his own empire. His existence challenges Hari Seldon’s prediction that no individual could ever have a significant impact on the galaxy’s history. Without giving too much away, the trio of Bayta, Toran, and Magnifico Giganticus plays a crucial role in this unfolding drama.
What do we know about the cast of season 3?
It’s safe to assume that the main cast from seasons 1 and 2 will be returning, unless, of course, their characters have been killed off or resurrected (as is often the case in this series!). Lee Pace and Jared Harris have already been confirmed, but the fate of others remains unclear. However, the following names are expected to return:
- Terrence Mann as Brother Day
- Cassian Bilton as Brother Dawn
- Lou Llobell as Gaal Dornick
- Ella-Rae Smith as Queen Sareth
- Isabelle Laughland as Brother Constant
Unfortunately, Leah Harvey (who portrayed Salvador Hardin) won’t be reprising her role, as her character met her end in the season 2 finale.
'Foundation': Cherry Jones, Brandon P. Bell Among 8 Cast For Season 3 Of Apple Series https://t.co/tbAFtqtHY1
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) March 21, 2024
Additionally, some exciting new faces are joining the ensemble:
- Cherry Jones as Ambassador Quent
- Troy Kotsur as Preem Palver
- Synnøve Karlsen as Bayta Mallow
- Tómas Lemarquis as Magnifico Giganticus
- Cody Fern as Toran Mallow
- Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing as Song
- Leo Bill as Mayor Indoor
Where will Foundation season 3 be available?
As with the previous seasons, Foundation will be available exclusively on Apple TV+, ensuring that fans can enjoy it through their subscription. In France, the show can also be streamed via Canal+, as Apple TV+ has partnered with the French platform for its distribution. So, no matter where you are in the world, the galaxy-spanning adventure will be just a click away.
Meet Bill, a curious mind with a rebellious streak and a shared enthusiasm for lifestyle and culture. Like his longtime collaborator William, he’s captivated by the pulse of current events. But Bill brings a twist, he thrives on spontaneity, often following instinct over convention. His unconventional flair adds a dynamic edge to the team, making every project a little less predictable and a lot more exciting.
