Warning: Spoilers ahead forFoundationseason 3, episode 1, “A Song For the End of Everything.“Foundationseason 3, episode 1, “A Song For the End of Everything,” finally allows one long-awaited character to make a proper debut, but they look different from the glimpses already provided by one ofApple TV+’s best sci-fi shows. TheFoundationseason 3 castconsists of a good blend of familiar faces and newcomers, which allows the story to surge onward.
That said, one figure in particular technically belongs to the latter group when they should belong to the former. The character to whom I’m referring last appeared at theend ofFoundationseason 2, and they were teased to be a huge factor come season 3. While that certainly appears to be the case, there has been a notable behind-the-scenes change.
Pilou Asbæk Taking Over As The Mule Could Mean Foundation Is Showing A Younger Version Of The Character
The Mule looks different in Foundation season 3
Mikael Persbrandt appeared as the Mule in four episodes ofFoundationseason 2, although he never presented a direct threat due to existing in the future. The 152-year time jump ahead of season 3 meansthe Mule can finally appear inFoundation’s “present-day” sequences. He’s central to the season 3 premiere’s cold open, but the character is played by Pilou Asbæk instead.
Asbæk is 43 years old, and Persbrant is almost 20 years his predecessor’s senior.
If Asbæk is supposed to be a direct replacement for Persbrant,Foundation’s casting department made a peculiar choice. Asbæk is 43 years old, and Persbrant is almost 20 years his predecessor’s senior. So, what I think is more likely than a straight swap is that Asbæk is playing a younger version of the Mule.
If so, it would make sense for the villain to look different, as he would still need to age roughly another two decades to look like Persbrandt. Apple TV+ has provided no official explanation for the change. However, Asbæk stated in an interview withJonaton Blombergthat he was “thankful [Persbrandt] passed on the torch,” while praising the actor’s body of work.
Pilou Asbæk Playing A Younger Version Of The Mule Leaves The Door Open For Mikael Persbrandt’s Return
Gaal’s showdown with the Mule could still look the same as has been shown already
AlthoughPilou Asbæk seems to own the role of the Mule for the foreseeable future, it doesn’t necessarily mean that Mikael Persbrandt’s time onFoundationis over. The Apple TV+ show’s story is told over a very long time, so eventually catching up with the Mule about 20 years after the season 3 opener isn’t just possible, but likely.
Gaal Dornick (Lou Llobel) and her visions of the future are what allowed Mikael Persbrandt’s version of the Mule to make hisFoundationdebut. Therefore, it’s reasonable to assume thatAsbæk could make his exit at some pointwhen his predecessor also becomes his successor, if and whenFoundation’s sprawling timeline calls for it.
New episodes ofFoundationseason 3 release every Friday on Apple TV+ until the finale on September 12.
