Foundation Season 3 Opens With A Brutal Scene Between Pilou Asbæk And Another Game Of Thrones Vet. His Story Behind How It Happened

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Note: This discussion may include slight hints about Foundation Season 3, Episode 1 titled “A Song for the End of Everything”.
FYI: Some hints from the first episode of Foundation Season 3, called “A Song for the End of Everything”, might be revealed in our conversation.

When Season 3 of “Foundation” concludes on its 2025 television schedule, it will be just three days away from two years since the grand finale of Season 2. This extended wait for the series to resume can feel quite lengthy, especially considering the looming threat of The Mule. Hinted at throughout the preceding season as “Foundation’s” next major antagonist capable of bringing about civilization’s end, Apple TV+ presents this villain in the flesh – and reveals that he has set a four-month expiration date for society.

To achieve that kind of immersive effect, Foundation successfully managed it in the Season 3 premiere of its streaming release this week, with an intense scene reminiscent of the brutality characteristic of Game of Thrones.

In my discussion about this week’s premiere, “A Song for the End of Everything,” I, as a follower, mentioned that Pilou Asbæk’s debut as The Mule in the HBO series Foundation had an unexpectedly gruesome element that he himself devised during filming.

As a film enthusiast, I took great liberties to infuse my creativity into several scenes. One of my unique contributions was incorporating a subtle detail – my colleague biting his fingernail. This minor touch served a significant purpose, as it underscored the intense struggle and inner turmoil that comes with manipulating the spaceship and mind control – an otherwise visually breathtaking but abstract concept. I felt it was essential to ground these extraordinary feats in something more tangible, something that could be played out between two actors on a battlefield, where one character is compelled against his will to act. To me, my friend’s actions in that scene served as an effective demonstration of The Mule’s powerful influence.

Suitably fitting, the initial scene features Ralph Ineson, a former Game of Thrones actor, as Archduke Bellarion – a key figure controlling a vital planet amidst Foundation’s power struggle. Arriving with the purpose to negotiate for his daughter’s safe return, our Archduke unfortunately falls prey to The Mule’s persuasive abilities.

Indeed, it’s not until Pilou Asbæk’s character manages to persuade Archduke Bellarion’s soldiers, both airborne and ground forces, to turn against each other. In essence, the nail-biting scene serves as a powerful message, which is dramatically emphasized by Ralph Ineson’s character taking his own life by shooting himself in the head. You can catch a glimpse of this tension in the trailer for Foundation Season 3, which you can view below:

Regardless of being a less devoted fan of “Game of Thrones”, I can still appreciate the intriguing parallel in this scene where two familiar actors are brought together. It’s interesting to note that the actor who replaced Mikael Persbrandt, from Season 2 of “Foundation”, is someone that Asbæk holds in high regard.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve always believed that immersing myself deeply into a character isn’t just about memorizing lines or wearing costumes; it’s about understanding their emotions, motivations, and complexities in ways that resonate with the audience. In my case, working on this project has been akin to revisiting familiar territory, thanks to the parallels I’ve drawn between it and the rich experiences I gained from being part of George R.R. Martin’s fantasy masterpiece.

In my opinion, Game of Thrones was once the most popular show globally, from its props to its sets, every aspect. Countless talented individuals poured an enormous effort into each minute detail. When I arrived on The Mandalorian set, I sensed a similar atmosphere. It felt as if they recognized that this production could become even more renowned after this season, given how deserving it is of a large audience.

Having delved into Isaac Asimov’s writings numerous times, I find myself strongly inclined to carve out a week from my schedule for an immersive exploration of “Foundation”. I suspect Pilou Asbæk would concur, given his acknowledgment of the series as a significant influence in the realm of science fiction. Indeed, he believes it played a pivotal role in shaping not only “Star Wars”, “Star Trek”, and “Blade Runner”, but also their respective genres.

If you haven’t seen the series Foundation, don’t fret – I’ve kept spoilers to a minimum. For those of you who are eager to embark on this journey for the first time or want a refresher before jumping back in, you can stream the initial two seasons on Apple TV+.

If you’re eager to find out what happens next in the story, new episodes for Season 3 will be released every Friday, all the way up until the finale on September 12th. By that time, there should be a lot to discuss about how The Mule’s sinister influence has impacted Foundation’s overall plan for its eight-season run.

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2025-07-11 20:38