In a recent digital press conference surrounding the second season of the critically acclaimed series Foundation on Apple TV+, Jared Harris, a prominent actor who brings to life the central character of Hari Seldon, expressed his insights on the intricacies of his role. Harris, a recognized figure in the realm of science fiction due to his previous engagements in renowned series like Fringe and The Expanse, appreciates the opportunity the genre provides to examine contemporary real-world predicaments in a metaphorically condensed and manageable way.
The actor faced an interesting set of hurdles in Foundation’s second season, given the necessity to portray various renditions of his character, Seldon. This narrative element arises from the storyline in which Seldon orchestrates his own death and subsequently projects his consciousness into several holographic avatars. Harris explained the painstaking attention to detail applied in creating distinct differences between these character variations. Such differentiation encompassed not only their visual distinctions but also the extent of their knowledge, underlining the inherent human fragility within their sophisticated virtual existence.
In the media interaction arranged by ComicBook, a significant query posed revolved around whether Hari Seldon should be classified as a hero or a villain. His actions stem from the objective to alleviate the impending dark era following the Empire’s downfall, which has inadvertently led him to assume a godlike stature. Yet, such an image has invited criticism of him morphing into an authoritarian megalomaniac, even from his closest confidantes. When confronted with this question, Harris prefers to leave the moral compass of his character to the discretion of showrunner David S. Goyer. He projects Seldon as an individual motivated by a lofty aim, regardless of the possibly questionable methods employed, and suggests that Seldon might be slightly amused by his newly acquired divine status.
Foundation Season 2: An Imperiled Galaxy Emerges
The storyline for Foundation’s second season brims with suspense, commencing more than a hundred years subsequent to the first season’s climactic end. The Cleons find themselves wavering, while a revengeful queen schemes the Empire’s demise from within its ranks. Concurrently, Hari, Gaal, and Salvor come across a community of Mentalics, entities possessing mind-altering capabilities that pose a significant threat to psychohistory. With the Foundation transitioning into its religious phase, the formation of the Church of Seldon in the Outer Reach gets triggered, igniting the Second Crisis—a conflict with the Empire. This epic adaptation interweaves the stories of four principal characters, their individual journeys filled with deadly emergencies, shifting loyalties, and complex interpersonal dynamics, culminating in the moulding of humanity’s future.
The second season of Foundation welcomes back Jared Harris, who reprises his role as Hari Seldon, along with Lee Pace as Brother Day, Lou Llobell as Gaal Dornick, Leah Harvey as Salvor Hardin, Laura Birn as Eto Demerzel, Cassian Bilton as Brother Dawn, and Terrence Mann as Brother Dusk. New additions to the talented cast roster include Isabella Laughland, Kulvinder Ghir, Ella-Rae Smith, Holt McCallany, Rachel House, Nimrat Kaur, Ben Daniels, and Dimitri Leonidas.
The much-anticipated season premiered on Friday, July 14th, and promises a fresh episode every following Friday on Apple TV+. With Harris’ nuanced depiction of the mysterious character of Hari Seldon, the journey through the intricate narrative of Foundation’s second season guarantees a riveting viewing experience.
