The Mule Arrives in Foundation Season 3, Upending the Galactic Order
Apple TV+ unleashes its most unpredictable threat yet as The Mule emerges in “Foundation” Season 3, challenging everything Hari Seldon built, and every mind that stands in his way.
Apple TV+ has released a chilling scene from Foundation, showcasing the long-awaited entrance of The Mule, a psychic tyrant whose mind-control powers shake the very foundation of the galaxy. The clip sets the tone for Season 3’s high-stakes conflict, revealing a new galactic player whose very existence defies the logic of psychohistory
Based on Isaac Asimov’s seminal novels, Foundation is created by David S. Goyer and Josh Friedman and produced by Skydance Television. The series has gained praise for its intricate world-building and philosophical depth. Season 3 officially premiered on July 11, 2025, though the featured scene dropped on YouTube a day later as part of Apple’s promotional push.
The Mule, played by Game of Thrones alum Pilou Asbæk, makes a striking debut in the scene, confronting Archduke Bolerian and demanding the surrender of Kalgan. With a mere glance, he exerts his psychic control, turning enemies into allies. A mutant mentalic, The Mule poses a threat beyond calculation, making him an anomaly in Seldon’s predictive science and a wildcard in the galactic chessboard.
Season 3 picks up 152 years after the events of Season 2. The once-unstoppable Cleonic Empire is in decline, and the Foundation has grown in influence. Faced with a mutual threat, the two forge an uneasy alliance to stop The Mule’s ascension. The central conflict will see Gaal Dornick (Lou Llobell), herself a Mentalic, emerge as a counterforce, setting up a psychic clash that could determine the future of the galaxy.
The show’s adaptation of The Mule has already sparked conversation among fans and critics. While some note differences from Asimov’s original portrayal, many praise Asbæk’s performance as an inspired evolution of the villain. His version is more theatrical, emotionally driven, and terrifyingly calm, qualities that may attract a new generation of viewers unfamiliar with the books.
Foundation Season 3 also introduces key new characters, including Alexander Siddig as Doctor Ebling Mis and Cherry Jones as Ambassador Quent. Returning stars Jared Harris (Hari Seldon) and Lee Pace (Brother Day) continue to anchor the story with gravitas, while the narrative pushes further into themes of destiny, control, and rebellion.
Critical reception so far is positive but varied. Rotten Tomatoes shows an 86% critic score and a 68% audience score for Episode 1. Despite dense jargon and complex timelines, Foundation continues to hold strong on Apple TV+’s charts, climbing to number 3 after the season premiere. Its grand ambition and stunning visuals remain among its most celebrated qualities.
