Foundation forward! Lee Pace, Jared Harris join Apple’s sci-fi series

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Ooooo boy this news hits me right in the classic science fiction feels.

When you talk about great science fiction writers it always comes back to the Big Three: Arthur C. Clarke, Robert Heinlein, and of course the late great Isaac Asimov. And when it comes to Asimov's great works, the "Foundation" series is right at the tip top of the intergalactic space ship. A series of short stories and novels that spanned a publishing period of over fifty years, the landmark series follows a collection of heroes who band together to save the Galactic Empire–by defying it.

In August of last year, Apple commissioned a ten episode straight-to-series order but since then there's been little to no news on the project. Well that steak has now ended as Deadline learned that not one but two actors have beamed aboard the erstwhile series.

Actors Lee Pace (The HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG) and Jared Harris (SHERLOCK HOLMES: GAME OF SHADOWS) have both signed on for the galaxy spanning adventure. Emmy winner Pace will play Brother Day, the Galactic Emperor, while Harris is set to play Hari Seldon, a mathematical titan who predicts the Empire's destruction. Both actors are coming off highly successful projects. Pace appeared in this year's CAPTAIN MARVEL opposite Brie Larson and Harris starred in HBO's "Chernobyl," which won an Emmy award for Outstanding Limited Series.

It's been a long road for FOUNDATION. The book series was originally envisioned as a feature film by New Line Cinema as far back as 1998. Jonathan Nolan began producing and writing the show in 2014 for HBO but that eventually fell through. This is the first time we've had any real solid casting news though, so it sounds like the television show is finally moving in the right direction.

Skydance Television will produce the sci-fi series while David Goyer will serve as showrunner. Josh Friedman will also executive produce as well as Asimov's daughter Robyn. No news yet on when the Apple show is set to start filming but it will likely be next year.

So what do you guys think of this news? Have you ever read the "Foundation" books? Are you as excited for this show as I am? Sound off in the comments below.