Apple just dropped the official trailer for Season 3 of Foundation and… whew. If you thought Season 2 was playing with fire, this trailer is proof they’re ready to burn the whole empire down. The 10-episode season blasts off Friday, July 11 on Apple TV+, with new episodes every Friday through September 12.
If you’re new here, Foundation is Apple’s gorgeous, galaxy-sized adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s classic sci-fi novels. This season picks up 152 years after the Season 2 finale. The Foundation is rising. Empire is slipping. And into the chaos walks one of Asimov’s most terrifying creations: The Mule.
Gaal’s Glow-Up & Second Foundation Clues
Gaal Dornick is rocking a couple of new looks, and those braids? Next level. But more importantly, the trailer pairs narration about the founding of “The Foundation” with scenes that clearly show Hari and Gaal forming the Second Foundation. This may confirm theories from last season that their mission split the original plan in two.
And shoutout to the vault, it’s now glowing like the Prime Radiant itself.
The Mule Is Here and He Ain’t Playing
That’s right, The Mule has arrived. And not just with mind games he’s using his signature mind control and full-on force. There’s even a quick shot suggesting he might be taking over a member of the Cleonic Empire. Is that… Brother Day?
This new version of Brother Day gives off “Galactic Dude” energy way more chill, way less genocidal. Could this be a clone variant, or maybe someone who’s been captured?
Demerzel and Gaal Face Off
The trailer gives us a first look at a face-off between Demerzel and Gaal two of the series’ most mysterious and powerful players. And if you remember Season 2, Hari gifted Demerzel a Prime Radiant and started teaching her psychohistory. That meeting may finally pay off in a very big way.
The Machine Planet and Ra’s Return
Yup. The Machine Planet that Kali was curating is back in the mix and so is Ra’s, Salvor’s father. This could hint that the story is finally weaving together the metallics, the mind-powered Mentalics, and the larger psychohistorical war that’s coming.
Also: shoutout to the visual team. Foundation still looks incredible. Every shot in this trailer could be a wallpaper.
The Cast Is Massive and Unexpected Pairings Are Coming
One of the trailer’s biggest surprises? Characters interacting that we didn’t expect. It’s easy to forget just how stacked the Foundation Season 3 cast is until you see them all in motion.
The trailer confirms new additions like Cherry Jones, Brandon P. Bell, Synnøve Karlsen, Cody Fern, and Troy Kotsur, while bringing back favorites like Jared Harris (Hari), Lou Llobell (Gaal), Laura Birn (Demerzel), and Lee Pace (Brother Day). Seeing new dynamics like Demerzel and Gaal? Chef’s kiss.
Final Thoughts: Stay Sharp, Stay Weird
This trailer has action, scale, and all the signs of a high-stakes season. But I hope the show keeps its **razor-sharp storytelling** intact. Flashy battles are great but what makes *Foundation* elite is its mix of science, emotion, and existential chess.
The Mule is here. And the future looks wild.
What did you catch in the trailer that I didn’t? Drop your theories in the comments and let’s see who’s actually reading the Prime Radiant right.
