Unveiling the Future: The Intriguing Fate of Foundation's Hari Seldon - Actor Jared Harris Weighs In

Summary

According to Harris, Hari Seldon is driven by a virtuous objective but is not averse to employing questionable methods to accomplish it, possibly reveling in the adulation he now receives.

In the Foundation books, Hari Seldon is depicted as a compassionate figure striving to alleviate suffering. However, the TV show has the potential to portray his character differently, possibly transforming Seldon into an antagonist. Actor Jared Harris, who plays Hari Seldon in the ambitious Apple TV+ series adapted from Isaac Asimov's stories, shares his thoughts on the possibility of Seldon becoming a villain. Spanning a millennium and following a group of rebels against the Galactic Empire, the series revolves around Seldon, a mathematician and the creator of psychohistory, a tool enabling him to predict the future on a vast scale with precision.

In a recent interview with Comic Book conducted prior to the actors' strike, Harris delved into his experience portraying multiple versions of Hari Seldon in Foundation season 2. Through uploading his consciousness into various hologram avatars, Harris faced the challenge of creating distinct variations of the character. These differences encompassed physical appearance, wardrobe, and even the characters' knowledge and understanding. It was essential to avoid the portrayal of a character with infinite knowledge, as this would alienate viewers from relating to them as human beings. Instead, Harris aimed to infuse vulnerability into the characters, making them more accessible and relatable.

That'll be up to [showrunner David S. Goyer] to reveal, but my approach is, until otherwise notified, he's an individual who has set out on a commendable objective and is willing to employ unorthodox measures to accomplish it. He has willingly transformed himself into a revered icon and is likely beginning to derive pleasure from it.

Does Hari Seldon Become A Villain In The Foundation Books?

Within the Foundation book series penned by Asimov, Hari Seldon is depicted as a virtuous and venerated character who establishes the Foundation to minimize the chaos that ensues after the collapse of the Galactic Empire. Seldon's primary aim is to safeguard knowledge and culture during the Dark Age that follows the Empire's demise. Contrary to being a villain, Seldon endeavors to alleviate the suffering caused by the Empire's downfall.

The Foundation book series includes writings by authors such as Gregory Benford, Greg Bear, and David Brin, following Asimov's death. These books loosely inspired the Foundation show, meaning Hari Seldon's depiction on screen may vary considerably from the original material. In the show, Seldon's closest allies even start accusing him of being a controlling egomaniac. Ultimately, it will be up to showrunner David S. Goyer to determine whether Seldon evolves into a complete villain.