Key reveals from the new Foundation Season 3 trailer

Foundation (image via Apple TV+)
Foundation (image via Apple TV+)

The freshly dropped trailer of Foundation Season 3 provides an initial glimpse of the upcoming continuation of Apple TV+'s ambitious science-fiction series. The teaser hints at the fact that the narrative takes place 152 years after the Season 2 events, opening the door for a galaxy on the verge of war.

The Foundation has developed from its humble beginnings, and the formerly great Cleonic Dynasty's Empire has become diminished. The trailer's biggest reveal is the arrival of the Mule, a formidable new villain with powers that threaten the galaxy as a whole.

The introduction of this character heralds a shift in the power balance and makes old foes uneasy about coalitions. Returning cast members such as Jared Harris, Lee Pace, and Lou Llobell are joined by newcomers as the destiny of civilization teeters on the scales. According to Apple, the 10-episode season will premiere globally on July 11, 2025, with new episodes released weekly.


The setting of Foundation Season 3: 152 Years After Season 2

Foundation Season 3 takes place over a century and a half after the spectacular events of Season 2's season finale. The Foundation, which started as a small band of exiles, has grown into a powerful force in the galaxy.

In contrast, the Empire of the Cleonic Dynasty, headed by the cloned leaders called the Cleons, is in disintegration. The trailer showcases the tension and uncertainty characteristic of the new era as the two powers are threatened with extinction.


The Mule: A new galactic menace

The largest surprise of the trailer comes in the form of the introduction of the Mule, played by Pilou Asbæk. The Mule is a warlord who aims to conquer the universe not just with military force but also through mind control.

This is a character to whom fans of Isaac Asimov's original novels are familiar as a powerful foe whose actions have drastic repercussions. The Mule's arrival puts the Foundation and the Empire's leftovers into a fragile alliance, since neither can stand against this threat individually.


Returning and new cast members

Foundation Season 3 trailer also assures us of the return of the main cast members. Jared Harris is back as Hari Seldon, the mathematician whose work is the basis of the Foundation's cause. Lee Pace reprises Brother Day, the Cleonic clone, and Lou Llobell reprises Gaal Dornick.

There are also fresh faces in the cast, among them Cherry Jones, Brandon P. Bell, Troy Kotsur, and Alexander Siddig. Their actors are set to feature prominently as the action grows to new edges of the galaxy.


Themes of war and alliance

The trailer emphasizes that war is once again at the forefront of the story. The weakened Empire and the strengthened Foundation must navigate a galaxy in turmoil. The possibility of an alliance between these former enemies is a central theme, driven by the need to confront the Mule’s unprecedented threat.

Foundation Season 3 trailer’s tagline,

“No future lasts forever,” underlines the uncertainty and high stakes facing all characters.

Visuals and world-building

The teaser features the series' trademark visuals, with sweeping vistas of futuristic cities, starships, and alien worlds. The production again emphasizes the scale and complexity of the universe, leveraging the detailed world-building that has defined the show since its premiere. The trailer also teases new locations and technologies that will be featured in the next season.


Release date and episode structure

Apple TV+ has officially announced that Foundation Season 3 will be released on July 11, 2025. The season will be 10 episodes long, with one episode coming out every week until September 12. This release schedule follows the pattern from the earlier seasons so that the audience can track the story as it unfolds throughout the summer.


The Foundation Season 3 trailer introduces a number of important developments for the show. The narrative picks up 152 years later, with a galaxy where the power balance is at stake.

Edited by Sohini Biswas