Why does the Mule look different in Foundation Season 3? Details explored in depth

In Foundation Season 3, Episode 1, titled A Song For the End of Everything, viewers finally get to see a proper, in-the-flesh version of the long-teased character, the Mule. But the face of the Mule is no longer that of Mikael Persbrandt, who appeared in season 2. The Mule is Season 3 is instead being played by a much younger actor Pilou Asbæk, best known for roles like Euron Greyjoy in Game of Thrones.

The change in the casting has sparked curiosity because Presbrandt's Mule appeared in four episodes of the previous season. Now that the show has leapt 152 years into the future, the Mule is no longer a distant threat but is going to be a part of the plot directly.

According to reports, Pilou's casting seems abrupt at first but is complimenting the narrative. It is speculated that the change in casting has been done to showcase a younger version of the Mule and is not plainly a replacement. Read on to know details.

Here is the reason behind the Mule's different appearance in Foundation.

While Apple TV+ hasn’t officially clarified the switch, Asbæk’s casting doesn’t seem like a simple recast. Asbæk is about 43, while Persbrandt is two decades older, suggesting that Asbæk may be playing a younger version of the same character. If the story of Foundation plans to follow the Mule's rise to power before becoming the Mule portrayed by Persbrandt, the different look makes complete sense.

Though the Mule is confirmed to be different in season 3, the reason behind it isn't an issue related to the actor's contract or anything logistical, but purely serves the narrative itself. The story might be around the Mule he was before he became the feared figure hinted at in season 2.

In a recent interview with Jonaton Blomberg, Asbæk acknowledged the handoff, expressing gratitude for Persbrandt "passing on the torch" and praising his work. His comment hinted that the change in the casting is more of a continuation or deepening of The Mule’s character arc.

Despite the change in Foundation season 3, it doesn’t mean Mikael Persbrandt’s version of the character is gone for good. The show comes with a vast time-jumping narrative, and therefore, it can be speculated that Persbrandt's mule will return, especially when relevant to the timeline.

While Asbæk is the face of the Mule for now, don’t rule out Persbrandt's return in upcoming seasons of Foundation

Foundation is a show that embraces long-term character arcs and evolution across generations. The mule initially appeared in season 2, offering a chilling preview of the destruction he might unleash. Now, the Foundation 3 is exploring the younger Mule through Asbæk, and the series may be building toward a future where the two portrayals converge. Asbæk could eventually hand the role back to Persbrandt as the character ages into the formidable figure we’ve already seen foreshadowed.

In an interview with RadioTimes.com, Asbæk opened up about the challenges of inheriting the role from another actor, especially one as established as Persbrandt.

“It's always difficult to be in the footsteps of an incredible actor like Mikael,” he admitted. “But us Scandinavians, we stick together and we collaborate.”

The actor also admitted the pressures of working with a franchise and playing a character beloved by many. It leaves minimal scope to change anything in the portrayal itself.

“It's always tricky when you're working with something that is so loved by so many people over the world. I've tried it before – I did it on Game of Thrones as well. It's a little bit tricky, but it's also a challenge that you like.”

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Season 3 is arguably the show’s strongest yet, per reports, tying together major arcs from previous seasons and even weaving in unexpected connections to Asimov’s Robot series. Season 3 premiered on July 11, 2025, and new episodes premiere every Friday on Apple TV+, with the season finale scheduled for September 12, 2025.

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