What’s potentially more ambitious and spectacular than a new Star Wars movie or series? How about taking on one of the seminal sci-fi texts that inspired George Lucas’ many journeys to a galaxy far, far away: Isaac Asimov’s Foundation books. That is just what Apple TV+ has done with its newest series, Foundation, a sci-fi drama of epic scope and deep-rooted emotion that charts a future in which warring factions and philosophies fight to lead the future of humanity. The idea for the adaptation came from The Dark Knight and Dark Knight Rises story scribe David S. Goyer, who fell in love with the books as a kid after being gifted them by his father, and key to his vision was bringing the books, which reflected a post-WWII world and worldview, up to date to reflect our current times. So it is that the, well, foundations of Foundation, remain intact, but certain characters and arcs have been tweaked and fleshed out to make the story pop with currency and relevance.
Rotten Tomatoes correspondent Nikki Novak spoke with Goyer about his approach to the adaptation as well as the stacked cast of audience favorites and sparky up-and-comers who helped bring it to life: Jared Harris (Dr. Hari Seldon), Lou Llobell (Gaal Dornick), Lee Pace (Brother Day), Leah Harvey (Salvor Hardin), and Alfred Enoch (Raych Seldon). During extended interviews, they talk about Goyer’s vision and its wild scope; how raw emotion, practical sets, and some very uncomfortable costumes keep their series grounded; and tease what might – and might not – be in the mysterious vault that lies at the center of the first season’s early episodes.
Foundation episodes are now streaming on Apple TV+, including the first episode, which is available for free.
