David Goyer successfully translated Isaac Asimov's groundbreaking science-fiction stories into a visually stunning television series on Apple TV+. Asimov's Foundation series, a beloved cornerstone of science fiction, has been an inspiration for countless other works in the genre. Despite its influence, previous adaptations of Foundation have struggled to capture its vast scope and complex characters. However, the landscape has shifted with the emergence of streaming platforms and the success of long-form storytelling exemplified by Game of Thrones.
Now, Goyer has accomplished the feat of bringing Foundation to life in a series exclusively available on Apple TV+. This production boasts an impressive ensemble cast, blending experienced actors and fresh talents handpicked by Goyer himself. This unique combination ensures that Foundation will be a truly remarkable viewing experience, as seasoned performers and emerging stars come together to propel the story forward and captivate audiences.
Jared Harris as Hari Seldon
Jared Harris portrays Hari Seldon in the cast of Foundation. Seldon serves as the driving force behind the narrative, as a mathematician who has mastered the field of psychohistory and gained the ability to predict future societal changes. Despite the story's futuristic setting, Harris effectively continues in his portrayal of Seldon, even long after his character's expected lifespan. Born in England, Harris pursued his passion for acting by studying drama at Duke University before returning to his home country to complete his acting studies. Additionally, he comes from a family of performers, as the son of the acclaimed Oscar-winning actor Richard Harris, known for his role as Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films.
While briefly appearing in movies like Natural Born Killers and The Last of the Mohicans, Jared Harris found his breakthrough in the realm of television. He gained recognition for his portrayal of David Robert Jones in Fringe and received critical acclaim for his role as Lane Pryce in Mad Men. Furthermore, he took on the role of King George in the Netflix series The Crown and captivated audiences as Captain Francis Crozier in AMC's The Terror. In 2022, his talents extended to the Marvel film Morbius, where he assumed the character of Emil Nicholas.
Lee Pace as Brother Day
Lee Pace's Foundation character, Brother Day, can be seen as the Emperor's counterpart in a grand game of chess. While the Emperors are not extensively developed characters in Asimov's works, David Goyer introduces the concept of a "genetic dynasty," where clones of Emperor Cleon ensure the perceived consistency of rulership. Being a clone allows Pace to continue portraying the character as time progresses. Originating from Oklahoma, Pace is an accomplished actor who initially gained recognition on Broadway.
Aside from his involvement in Foundation, Lee Pace has had notable roles in various television shows and films throughout the years. In the realm of TV, he received an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Ned in the fantasy series Pushing Daisies. He then took on the lead role of Joe MacMillan in the AMC series Halt and Catch Fire. However, his accomplishments extend beyond television. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Pace portrayed the villainous Ronan the Accuser in Guardians of the Galaxy. He has also appeared in significant films such as Steven Spielberg's Lincoln, where he played politician Fernando Wood, The Twilight Saga as Garrett, and The Hobbit trilogy as Thranduil. Additionally, he starred in the 2022 film Bodies Bodies Bodies.
Laura Birn as Demerzel
Laura Birn portrays the character Demerzel in Foundation. In Isaac Asimov's novels, Demerzel is actually the alter ego of the android R. Daneel Olivaw, who is a prominent figure in his I, Robot series. This connection between the two science-fiction franchises allows Asimov to create a cohesive universe that encompasses both I, Robot and Foundation.
Laura Birn, a Finnish actress, initially made a name for herself in Finnish films and TV shows. However, her breakthrough on the international stage came with her role in the British film The Ones Below in 2015, followed by her appearance in the supernatural TV series The Innocents, which was available for streaming on Netflix. Birn has also been cast in the upcoming 2024 remake of the supernatural film The Crow.
Terrence Mann as Brother Dusk
Terrence Mann, known for his roles in Whispers, Sense8, and The Dresden Files, has joined the cast of Foundation as Brother Dusk. In this unique concept created by Goyer, Brother Dusk represents the succession of power when an Emperor becomes too old to reign. Mann, a Kentucky-born actor with a background in theater, brings this character to life, facing similar challenges as Lee Pace in playing multiple versions of the same role. Mann's previous notable roles include Ug in the Critters film series, the powerful spirit Bob in The Dresden Files TV adaptation, as well as Whispers in Sense8, Harris Van Ness in The Blacklist, and Bob Ballard in 30 Rock.
Lou Llobell as Gaal Dornick
Lou Llobell takes on the role of Gaal Dornick in Foundation, portraying Hari Seldon's protégé from Asimov's books. However, in a significant departure, Gaal Dornick's character has been altered and even changed to a different gender. In the adaptation by David Goyer, the role of Gaal is portrayed by the talented newcomer Lou Llobell, who hails from Zimbabwe and received training at the University of Birmingham. Notably, Gaal is depicted as a young, self-taught woman hailing from a planet where the pursuit of knowledge is considered heresy. Prior to Foundation, Llobell has appeared in the 2021 films Voyagers and The Pilgrim.
Leah Harvey as Salvor Hardin
Leah Harvey takes on the role of Salvor Hardin in the Foundation cast. In Asimov's books, Salvor Hardin serves as the mayor of the planet Terminus, but in Foundation, the character has undergone a significant reinvention as the Warden - the dedicated protector of the Foundation. Salvor not only plays a pivotal role in dealing with the Foundation's initial crisis but notably happens to be Gaal Dornick's offspring. Leah Harvey, a promising British newcomer of non-binary identity, makes their debut in Foundation, with no prior film credits to their name. However, they have also recently joined the cast of the Paramount+ series A Gentleman in Moscow, alongside Ewan McGregor.
Chipo Chung As The Voice Of The Deliverance Operating System
Chipo Chung, a Zimbabwean actor known for her work in theater, brings the character of the Deliverance to life in the Foundation cast. The Deliverance is the slow ship responsible for transporting Hari Seldon to the planet Terminus for colonization. Not only does Chung excel in stage performances, but she has also made a mark on the silver screen by lending her voice to Icarus II in Sunshine and appearing in the political satire In the Loop. Additionally, her television credits include notable roles such as The Master in Into the Badlands, Saphania in His Dark Materials, and Sandy in Silo. She has also made captivating appearances in popular shows like Doctor Who, Sherlock, and Absentia.
Cassian Bilton As Brother Dawn
Brother Dawn, a character in Cassian Bilton's Foundation, represents the youthful persona among a lineage of genetic clones derived from Cleon I. Brother Day's apprentice-in-waiting, Dawn embodies the role of successor. Bilton, an actor of English origin, commenced his television career with Foundation, following a series of short film appearances between 2016 and 2020.
Foundation Supporting Cast
Alfred Enoch takes on the role of Raych Foss in the Foundation TV series, portraying a character specially created for the show. Raych Foss is portrayed as Hari Seldon's student. Enoch gained recognition for his portrayal of Dean Thomas in the Harry Potter films and also had a prominent role in How To Get Away With Murder.
Cooper Carter portrays the character of the child Brother Dawn/Cleon XIII in the Foundation cast. At the age of seven, Cooper Carter plays the youngest clone of the Emperor. His previous acting credit was in the 2020 project, Beyond the After.
Reece Shearsmith portrays the character Jerril in Foundation, an Imperial agent during the reign of Cleon XII. Shearsmith, an acclaimed English actor, is most recognized for his role in The League of Gentlemen. He has also gained accolades for his work in Psychoville and the anthology series Inside No. 9. Additionally, he has collaborated with Edgar Wright on the television series Spaced and the film The World's End.
Joining the cast of Foundation is Clarke Peters, who plays Abbas Hardin. Abbas is a Seldon follower, the first Warden, and the inaugural Mayor of Terminus. He serves as a surrogate father to Salvor Hardin. Peters, an actor from New York City, initially began his career in Hollywood as a costume designer. However, he is particularly remembered for his roles as Lester Freamon in The Wire and Albert in Treme. Peters also received a BAFTA nomination for his performance in Da 5 Bloods.
Sasha Behar portrays Mari Hardin, a devoted follower of Seldon and the adoptive mother of Salvor Hardin, in the Foundation cast. Behar, a renowned English actor, is best recognized for her portrayal of Maya Sharma in Coronation Street. Her notable appearances also include roles in Doctor Who, Da Vinci's Demons, and Fireman Sam.
Daniel MacPherson embodies the character Hugo Crast, an interplanetary trader hailing from Thespis who becomes Salvor Hardin's romantic partner, in Foundation. MacPherson, an esteemed Australian actor, is widely known for his portrayal of Joel Samuels in Neighbours and Cameron Trait in The Bill. Additionally, he co-hosted Dancing with the Stars in Australia for a span of six years.
Kubbra Sait joins the cast of Foundation as Phara Keaen, the top military officer of Anacreon who personally leads a raid on Terminus. Sait, an acclaimed Indian actor, is best known for her role as Kukoo in the Netflix series Sacred Games.
Elliot Cowan plays Lewis Pirenne in the Foundation cast, portraying the Director of the Foundation and the first successor of Hari Seldon. Cowan, an English actor, has appeared in various notable projects such as Ultimate Force, Lost in Austen, the 2004 Oliver Stone movie Alexander, and as Daron-Vex in the SyFy DC Comics series Krypton.
Amy Tyger plays the role of Azura Odili in Foundation. Azura Odili is a gardener at the Imperial Palace and is also the love interest of Brother Dawn/Cleon XIV. Outside of Foundation, Tyger has appeared in Legacy, Doctors, The Alienist, and the upcoming movie Forever Young in 2023.
Mido Hamada portrays Shadow Master Obrecht in Foundation. Shadow Master Obrecht serves as the Imperial spymaster during the reign of Cleon XIII. Hamada, an Egyptian actor, studied drama at Oxford. Some fans may recognize him from his roles in Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow and American Sniper. Additionally, he has also had television roles on 24, Homeland, Terra Nova, Counterpart, and Veronica Mars.
Christian Contreras portrays Commander Dorwin, an Imperial soldier assigned to investigate the severed communication with Terminus. Contreras, originally from Belize, is wedded to Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker. His filmography includes notable films such as Zero Dark Thirty and Snowden, and he has also graced television screens in Breeders and The Man Who Fell to Earth.
T'Nia Miller embodies the character Zephyr Halima Ifa in Foundation, a distinguished priestess of the Luminist religion aspiring to assume the role of its next leader. Miller, a British actress, boasts a variety of television appearances, including The Diplomat, La Fortuna, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Sex Education, The Feed, and Doctors.
Nimrat Kaur joins the cast of Foundation as Yanna Seldin, Hari Seldon's deceased life partner. Kaur, an Indian actor, began her career as a model and theater actor but gained widespread acclaim for her roles as ISI agent Tasneem Qureishi in Homeland and Rebecca in Wayward Pines.
Playing Queen Sareth in the Foundation cast is Ella-Rae Smith. Smith, an English actor, rose to fame with her role as Nix in Into the Badlands. She has also appeared in Clique, The Witcher, and The Stranger. Additionally, she has had minor roles in Hobbs & Shaw and The Lost Girls in film.
Sandra Yi Sencindiver portrays the character of Enjoiner Rue Corintha in Foundation. Sencindiver, a Korean actor who was adopted into the United States, received training in Denmark to pursue her acting career. Apart from Foundation, she has also appeared in The Wheel of Time TV series as Lady Amalisa and played Susanne in The Bridge.
Isabella Laughland is cast as Brother Constant in Foundation. Laughland, an English actor, began her career in the Harry Potter franchise, portraying the character of Leanne. She has since built a successful TV career with notable roles in Four Lives, Anne Boleyn, Ghosts, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, and Criminal: UK.
Kulvinder Ghir portrays High Cleric Poly Verisof, the authoritative figure and companion to Constant in the Foundation cast. Ghir, a renowned Kenyan actor, gained fame through his participation in the BBC sketch comedy show Goodness Gracious Me. Since then, he has successfully ventured into numerous television roles including appearances in Holby City, Postman Pat, Lunch Monkeys, Still Open All Hours, and Hilda.
Oliver Chris embodies the character of Director Sermak, a prominent leader within the Foundation. Chris, an English actor, initially began his career by taking on smaller roles in television series such as The Office, Green Wing, The IT Crowd, and Rescue Me. More recently, he has played a supporting role in Motherland, enjoyed a regular spot on Bluestone 42, and is currently starring in the Apple TV+ drama Trying.
Mikael Persbrandt portrays The Mule, the formidable Warlord of Kalgan, in Foundation. As a mutant telepath, he possesses the ability to manipulate individuals into unwavering loyalty, even to the point of sacrificing their lives for him. Initially gaining recognition in the theater industry, Persbrandt is most renowned for his portrayal of Gunvald Larsson in the esteemed Beck film series since 1997. Additionally, he has captivated audiences with his performance as Jakob Nyman in Sex Education.
In the Foundation cast, Ben Daniels takes on the role of Bel Riose, a revered military leader who faced incarceration due to defying the Empire. Beginning his career in theater, Daniels transitioned to television and has graced numerous shows, including Interview with the Vampire, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Jupiter's Legacy, The Crown, and The Exorcist. He also delivered a captivating portrayal as General Antoc Merrick in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
Dimitri Leonidas portrays the character Hober Mallow in Foundation. Mallow is a cunning trader and con artist who plays a crucial role in Seldon's plan. Leonidas, an English actor, began his career as an extra but has since landed significant roles. He is best known for his performances in The Monuments Men, Rosewater, and Riviera.
Dino Fetscher joins the Foundation cast as Glawen Curr, Riose's spouse and second-in-command. Fetscher, a Welsh actor, has primarily worked in television. Some of his notable appearances include The Split, Gentleman Jack, Years and Years, and Humans. He also had a notable role as a guard in the film Now You See Me 2.
Rachel House portrays Tellem Bond in the Foundation cast. Tellem Bond serves as the leader of a mentalics community residing on the planet Ignis. House, a talented New Zealand actress, gained recognition for her outstanding performance as Shilo in the renowned film Whale Rider. Her impressive career also includes notable appearances in Eagle vs. Shark, Thor: Ragnarok, where she lent her voice to the character Terry in Soul, and her captivating role in the 2024 blockbuster Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.