Latest news with #Empire
Geek Tyrant
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Rian Johnson Defends Snoke's Death and the Direction of STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI — GeekTyrant
Few scenes in Star Wars have stirred as much debate as the moment Kylo Ren slices Supreme Leader Snoke in half during The Last Jedi . The mysterious big bad introduced in The Force Awakens , rumored to be Darth Plagueis or some other ancient Sith mastermind, was built up with ominous weight, only to be suddenly and shockingly killed off halfway through Episode VIII . Now, writer-director Rian Johnson is revisiting that controversial choice and doubling down on why it was the right move. In a new profile with Rolling Stone, Johnson addressed not only the backlash surrounding Snoke's death, but also the misconception that he made The Last Jedi in isolation, with no coordination with J.J. Abrams. Johnson said: 'We communicated. We met and I spent days with him and was able to get into his head and all the choices he had made. That having been said, I communicated and I went and made the movie. And he was in the middle of Force Awakens. 'Ultimately, I feel like the choices in it, none of them were born out of an intent to 'undo' anything. They were all borne out of the opposite intent of, how do I take this story that J.J. wrote, that I really loved, and these characters he created that I really loved, and take them to the next step?' For Johnson, the goal wasn't to shock for the sake of it or to wipe Abrams' work clean. He says he took Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy's request seriously when she asked him to craft the Empire Strikes Back of the sequel trilogy. 'Kathy [Kennedy] said, 'We're looking at someone to do the Empire of this series.' I took that assignment very seriously. Maybe more seriously than someone would have liked. 'I guess to me that didn't mean making something that just had nods to Empire — that meant trying to genuinely do what Empire did.' So when it came time to deal with Snoke, Johnson saw an opportunity, not to remove a villain, but to elevate another one. 'That was, in reading J.J.'s script [for Force Awakens], and watching the dailies, and seeing the power of Adam Driver's character. The interrogation scene in the first movie, between Rey and Kylo, was so incredibly powerful. 'Seeing this complicated villain that's been created, I was just so compelled by that. This is all a matter of perspective and phrasing, but to me, I didn't easily dispense with Snoke.' Instead, Johnson says he used Snoke's death as a deliberate turning point to push Kylo Ren into full villain mode. 'I took great pains to use him in the most dramatically impactful way, which was to then take Kylo's character to the next level and set him up as well as I possibly could. 'I guess it all comes down to your point of view. I thought, 'This is such a compelling and complicated villain. This is who it makes sense going forward to build around.'' Of course, Abrams later pivoted back to the old school by bringing back Emperor Palpatine in The Rise of Skywalker , revealing that Snoke was merely a puppet of the Sith Lord all along. Rey was also retconned as Palpatine's granddaughter, backtracking the idea that she was 'nobody,' another creative decision that divided fans. Still, love it or hate it, Johnson's vision for the middle chapter wasn't about playing it safe or satisfying every theory. It was about shifting power, challenging expectations, and, for better or worse, surprising the audience.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Music Industry Moves: Empire Launches in Nordic Region; Taps Iman Hazheer as Territory Manager
Empire has announced their expansion into the Nordic region with a brand new hire, Iman Hazheer, as territory manager. In this newly established role, Hazheer will lead Empire's strategic initiatives across Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland,and Iceland. He will drive artist relations and market development, in addition to regional partnerships. Based in Stockholm, Hazheer will work closely with Empire's international team to amplify the company's footprint. 'The Nordic region has long been a global force in music, but the path to international recognition is becoming increasingly narrow especially for independent and emerging artists,' said Hazheer. More from Variety Music Industry Moves: Republic Records Announces Partnership With Savan Kotecha's Visva Records Music Industry Moves: Universal Music and Patrick Whitesell Announce Joint Venture; Amazon to Livestream Erykah Badu Juneteenth Concert Music Industry Moves: Ja Rule Inks With WME (EXCLUSIVE) He continued, 'Throughout my career, I've seen firsthand the challenges talented creators face when trying to scale beyond their home markets. That's why I'm excited to join Empire, a company that not only understands the nuances of local culture but also offers a truly artist-first model. We're here to challenge the status quo, champion artists on their own terms and give the Nordic talent pool the platform they deserve, globally.' Hazheer arrives at Empire with a decade of experience and a diverse background at the intersection of music, culture and brand strategy. He spent nearly seven years at Spotify, where he led editorial strategy for the Nordics as a senior editor, curating playlists and shaping the regional music narrative. Prior to that, he worked with artists across Northern Europe as part of the entertainment division at Nike in Amsterdam. 'The further expansion across Europe into the Nordic region further cements EMPIRE as champions of bringing music and culture to a global audience,' said Empire Founder and CEO, Ghazi. 'Iman's knowledge of the music business makes him the best fit to spearhead these efforts and we are happy to welcome him to the team.' Pictured above (L-R): Nima Etminan, Iman Hazheer and Ghazi. + Concord Music Publishing has signed Tropkillaz, the Grammy-nominated Brazilian production duo of Zegon and Laudz, to a global publishing agreement covering all new copyrights. The deal was orchestrated in close collaboration between Concord's London, New York, and Miami offices, marking the company's first-ever signing out of Brazil. Tropkillaz boast collaborations with artists including Anitta, J Balvin, Marshmello, Justin Bieber, Doechii, Major Lazer, Snoop Dogg, Bob Marley, and Childish Gambino, as well as work with such songwriters and producers as Ryan Tedder, Stargate, Jason Evigan and more. Tropkillaz in a joint statement commented: 'We're thrilled to be joining the Concord family and focusing on creating lots of new music. We have built a strong catalogue with original Tropkillaz releases while also producing for other artists from across the world—especially in Asia, Latin America, and the U.S.— and we feel lucky to see that work resonate globally. We are also so excited to have found a new home at A-List Management, building this next chapter together – there's so much more to come!' +Nashville-based hit songwriter and producer Mark Holman has inked a new publishing deal with Big Loud Publishing/ERN's Cadillac Music. Holman has penned songs for chart-topping hitmakers like Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Blake Shelton and many more. 'Big Loud has believed in me from the jump and I'm thankful to keep growing with them,' shared Holman. 'Adding Cadillac to the mix just takes it to another level. I have a ton of respect for Ern — as a writer, as an artist and as a visionary — and I'm looking forward to what we can create.' 'I have enjoyed working with Mark throughout the years. We always have a great time in the room, and he is such a joy to work with,' ERN's Cadillac Music Founder and CEO Ernest adds. 'He has been a weapon in town for a few years, and we have obviously already made a little magic together with 'Flower Shops.' I look forward to continuing to grow together as songwriters and producers. I'm thankful he wanted to be a part of the Cadillac crew as much as I wanted him to be.' + Grammy and CMA-nominated songwriter Derrick Southerland has inked a global publishing deal with Kobalt. As part of the deal, Kobalt has acquired a portion of Southerland's extensive song catalog. 'Derrick is one of the most gifted, prolific songwriters working in Nashville today,' said Stephanie Cox, general manager/senior VP of creative at Kobalt Nashville. 'He has the incredibly unique ability to write across genres which makes him a perfect fit for Kobalt's global ecosystem.' Southerland's repertoire includes co-writing tracks for Carrie Underwood, Jordan Davis, Vince Gill, Fletcher, Laci Kaye Booth, Hunter Hayes, Breland, Charlotte Sands, High Valley, Charles Kelley, Muscadine Bloodline, Tanner Adell, Blair Davie, Dallas Smith and many others. Additionally, he has worked on Kane Brown's Hot 100 certified gold single 'Like A Rodeo' and Joshua Bassett's 'Crisis.' 'I'm so excited to be partnering with Kobalt,' said Southerland. 'When I met with Laurent Hubert, Jeannette Perez, Stephanie Cox, Rani Hancock, Kenny McGoff and so many others of the creative team, I knew this was where I needed to be. Their enthusiasm not only about my writing and songs, but my dreams and vision for the future made this the perfect partnership to help me accomplish my goals. Huge thanks to Kevin, who was with me for my first major label outside cut and brought me to this amazing team. I'm looking forward to what's coming in this next chapter of our careers.' Best of Variety Final Emmy Predictions: Talk Series and Scripted Variety - New Blood Looks to Tackle Late Night Staples Oscars 2026: George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, Wagner Moura and More Among Early Contenders to Watch New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week
Sunday World
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Pamela Anderson's thoughtful birthday gift for Naked Gun co-star Liam Neeson
Former Baywatch actor tracked down rare Hemingway for Ballymena man after forming bond with him on set Pamela Anderson gifted her Naked Gun co-star Liam Neeson a rare first-edition book after they formed a bond on set. The actor was nervous about working with the Ballymena man for the first time, but she had nothing to fear. Pammie (58) said: 'It was just a rehearsal, the scene where I come to tell him about my murdered brother, wearing my femme-fatale beret. 'But still, meeting Liam and everybody for the first time... for me it's always really hard, (but) we just had a ball. I was always showering him with loaves of bread and cookies and muffins. 'There was a little bookshop on the set, and he found this poetry book by Ibsen, and he was explaining to me a little bit about him. 'For his birthday, I got him a first-edition Hemingway. He's always got a book in hand, same with me. 'We need a Naked Gun in the climate we're in right now. You know, slapstick, giggles, silly humour.' Anderson and Neeson in The Naked Gun Liam (73) was full of praise for his co-star, who found fame on Baywatch. He said: 'This beautiful actress arrived on set, no airs or graces, no big ego. 'She's a cook, a gardener, she reads a lot of poetry... she's just a great woman, she really is. 'Pamela is terrific in it. There's a great cast. And, as Clint Eastwood says, I'm my usual adequate self.' Liam also told Empire he wanted to make the role of Frank Drebin Jr his own and did not try to ape Leslie Nielsen from the original films. He said: 'I did not want to emulate the wonderful Leslie. The thing I grabbed from him was 'Be serious. Don't try to be funny. Stick to being a serious cop who is a bit of a doofus'.' Family Guy and Ted creator Seth McFarlane, who is producing the reboot, pinpointed Liam for the role. Director Akiva Schaffer said: 'Not only is Liam one of the last 'gravitas' leading men, he also is one of the only ones that has barely used it for comedy. Liam's got his own things, but they're not Leslie's things. Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson Liam Neeson as school girl assassin in Naked Gun remake 'It'd be unfair (to ask Neeson to ape Nielsen) because he'd be trying to match another human being with a whiole different, forgive me, set of skills (a nod to Neeson's role in Taken). 'A friend of mine, when I was just starting to write, was like 'It feels to me like your assignment is, what's the funniest thing that you can make Liam Neeson say?' Anderson and Neeson in The Naked Gun 'He was actually the most game for the most silly stuff. I was constantly surprised. 'He would be adding fart jokes, and I'd have to be like 'Remember, three scenes earlier, we have a fart joke, so if you do it here, it might be too early'.' The Naked Gun is due to be released in cinemas on August 1 Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson News in 90 Seconds - Sunday July 13
Geek Girl Authority
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
FOUNDATION Season Premiere Recap: (S03E01) A Song for the End of Everything
Foundation Season 3 Episode 1, 'A Song for the End of Everything,' brings the Mule into the equation and sets the stage for what'll undoubtedly be a propulsive, high-octane season. The visuals are as stunning as ever. The stakes are as high as can be. I mean, the end of everything is pretty damn serious. RELATED: Read our recap of the Foundation Season 2 finale, 'Creation Myths' Foundation, 'A Song for the End of Everything' We open with narration from Gaal (Lou Llobell), explaining that, if one lives long enough, 'time can be a weapon.' In her three centuries of life, Gaal has seen the Foundation grow and Empire decline. We're now 152 years out from the Second Crisis. The Foundation has the Outer Reach in their grasp, with the objective to seize the middle band. This includes the planet Kalgan. Of course, should Kalgan fall under Empire or Foundation's thumb, the rest of the middle band will follow suit. Gaal admits that someone else knows this, too — the Mule. He haunts her dreams. Meanwhile, Archduke Bellarion (Ralph Ineson) and Hopewood (Jake Fairbrother) wait for the infamous Mule to arrive. They have armed forces as backup. Sure enough, the Mule (Pilou Asbæk) emerges from the trees. Compulsion As it turns out, the Mule kidnapped Bellarion's daughter. He'll return her to Bellarion once he gets what he wants: control of Kalgan. Control Kalgan, control the galaxy. Bellarion refuses to let a warlord take the reins. So, the Mule gets messy. He compels the ships hovering above them to attack each other. Then, he compels Bellarion's soldiers to kill each other. RELATED: The Mule Wreaks Havoc in Foundation Season 3 Trailer and New Photos After this, the Mule tries to take Bellarion's signet ring. When it proves tricky to remove, the Mule compels Bellarion to bite off his own finger and hand over the ring … before shooting himself in the head. The Mule is one chaotic b. Like Euron Greyjoy but in space. FOUNDATION Season 3 Episode 1, 'A Song for the End of Everything' — Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ The Third Crisis Now, we're at Jump Gate Prospero. Gaal's voiceover returns to inform us that Empire must now use jump gates to traverse the galaxy. This puts a wrench in their takeover plans. With the Cleonic Dynasty no longer in control (of the galaxy or their council), they've drifted away from the center of power. Brother Dawn (Cassian Bilton) joins Demerzel (Laura Birn), who shares that the Third Crisis is on the horizon. She sees it in the Prime Radiant. Something new, something troubling, is also brewing. However, Demerzel insists that their impending meeting with the Galactic Council won't make a dent in psychohistory. RELATED: Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: Gaal Dornick Then, Dawn and Demerzel head to Clarion Station for the Galactic Council session. Before they land, they spot fire wheat farmers protesting outside the Galactic Council. The Foundation has imposed heavy tariffs on their grain stores. The Council doesn't have jurisdiction over this, but Dawn believes they can still apply pressure. Outside the Council headquarters, one woman lugs soil at Dawn. A New Alliance Next, Dawn addresses the Council, claiming that the Foundation's corruption and greed are why the soil is sterile. 'When crops die, people die,' he states. He adds that the Traders, a faction within the Foundation, are willing to lend a hand. However, they lack the funds and support necessary to break away from the Foundation. Dawn might be 10 days away from becoming Emperor, but he wants to help now. It's simple: assist the Traders and weaken the Foundation from within. Then, Empire can take back the planets that once belonged to them. Presider Kinn (Miltos Yerolemou) remarks that they could tally a formal vote if Emperor Day were present. Dawn informs the Council that Day is on Trantor (having a spa day, obv). He offers the Council a choice: he returns in 10 days, after becoming Emperor, to revisit the motion and pass a referendum on a new Presider (ouch), or they make waves now. The Council decides to vote with haste. RELATED: New TV Shows This Week (July 6 – 12) Later, Demerzel compliments Dawn on how he handled the Council. She asks Dawn if Brother Dusk advised him to supply the Traders with soil to throw at him. Dawn insists it was his idea. He just hopes it was actually sterile. FOUNDATION Season 3 Episode 1, 'A Song for the End of Everything' — Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ To Ashes Meanwhile, on Trantor, Brother Dusk (Terrence Mann) comes to terms with his inevitable death. He watches footage of past Dusks turning into ash, positioning it from different angles. Dawn joins him. He informs Dusk that the Council will fall in line, and their new alliance with the Traders will ensure the Foundation crumbles from the inside out. Dawn asks Dusk if he would run when the time comes to die. Dusk muses that he doesn't have it in him to run. The conversation shifts to the Mule and how Kalgan has fallen to piracy. After this, Gaal tells us about New Terminus, which rose like a phoenix from the ashes of Terminus. The Foundation prospered on New Terminus for 150 years. They made the leap from a religious focus to trade, more concerned with expanding their sphere of influence. RELATED: Read our Murderbot recaps The Traders threaten secession as a rift between those with power and those with influence widens. Professor Ebling Mis (Alexander Siddig) is a researcher of this rift, and he's keen on meeting Hari Seldon. Why? Because the Third Crisis — the Seldon Crisis — is on the horizon. Hari could help. You Nulled My Null Field Ebling turns into a fanboy when Hari (Jared Harris) materializes. Hari is equal parts fascinated and annoyed that Ebling nulled his null field. He transports Ebling to a replica of his Trantor office. Then, Hari states that the Foundation is beyond their religious phase and well into their trade era, with the Traders — or Merchant Princes — pitted against the majority. FOUNDATION Season 3 Episode 1, 'A Song for the End of Everything' — Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ Ebling shares that the Foundation's standards have fallen considerably. They're too comfortable now. They're not prepared for the crisis to come. Ebling believes the Traders themselves are the crisis. Hari remains tight-lipped. Ebling adds that Empire is now allied with the Traders. Hari replies that he gave Empire the Prime Radiant. This bewilders Ebling. Why would Hari do that? However, Hari gives Ebling the boot instead of providing an answer. Rude. RELATED: Apple TV+ Renews Hit Spy Drama Slow Horses for Season 7 A Chase on Haven Later, we arrive at Haven, home of the Alliance of Traders. We learn that Empire is now supplying the Traders with weaponry to continue fomenting unrest between them and the Foundation. Han Pritcher (Brandon P Bell) and Sephone (Iðunn Ösp Hlynsdóttir), who serve the Foundation, try to intercept a weapons drop from Empire. They spot Randu Mallow, Dawn's contact, retrieving said drop. What transpires next is a wild goose chase across the planet. Han gets close enough to battle it out with Randu before tossing him off his transport. Han attempts to bring Randu's transport closer to him, which carries the weapons. But the sun is about to rise over them, and it's unbearably hot. Sephone swoops in to save Han as they abandon the weapons altogether. Their ship saves them. FOUNDATION Season 3 Episode 1, 'A Song for the End of Everything' — Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ Next, Han and Sephone tend to their burns on their ship. Sephone flirts with him, leaning in for a kiss (girl, I get it), but Han pulls away. He claims his loyalties lie elsewhere. Ouch. Unfortunately, they didn't get the weapons, so they don't have evidence to present to the Foundation of Empire's meddling. Then, Han gets an alert that the Mule is nearby. RELATED: Welcome to the Chatsubo: Apple TV+'s Neuromancer Is Now in Production Would You Like a Jelly? After this, Mayor Indbur (Leo Bill) finds Han at his desk. How did Han gain access to Indbur's office? He designed the security protocols, of course. Then, Han informs Indbur that Vault is awake, but the mayor wants the lowdown on the Haven mission. Han confirms that Empire is arming the Traders; however, he and Sephone couldn't get their hands on the goods to prove it. Indbur reminds Han that they need evidence with which to confront Empire. Vault is screaming that civil war is nigh. Han claims the Traders are a distraction. The real threat is the Mule. He's taken over Kalgan. Han wants to investigate him. Indbur brushes this off, though, insisting that Kalgan is nothing. It lives in the middle band, neither part of the Foundation nor Empire. Things get heated between Han and Indbur, which the latter attempts to smooth over by offering the former jellies. Han really hates jellies. Indbur decides to revoke Han's launch privileges. If he tries to leave, Indbur will put him under house arrest. Naturally, after departing Indbur's office, Han has the mayor's key fob. Han is giving me Han Solo vibes in the best way. After this, Han leaves for Kalgan. RELATED: On Location: The Phoenicia Diner on Apple TV+'s Severance Therapy Meanwhile, Demerzel meets with Zephyr Vorellis (Rebecca Ineson) on Trantor. She is the first Zephyr on Trantor. Demerzel wishes to unburden herself to Vorellis. However, Vorellis will recall nothing of their little therapy session. Her memories will only be restored for subsequent meetings and wiped thereafter. For starters, Demerzel shares that she's a positronic robot. Then, she gives Vorellis a history lesson about robots in human spaces. She and Vorellis discuss the basic tenets of robots — how they can't harm humans but can protect themselves. The conversation veers to Hari Seldon giving Demerzel the Prime Radiant. Thanks to the Radiant, Demerzel has seen something that spells the end of Empire. Empire's demise is inevitable. FOUNDATION Season 3 Episode 1, 'A Song for the End of Everything' — Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ But what does this mean for Demerzel? She's programmed to serve the Cleons. She loves the Cleons. When they're all gone, what will be her purpose, as one who cannot die? Who is she without Empire? Ah, the age-old question. RELATED: Severance Renewed for Season 3 by the Will of Kier (and Apple TV+) Much Bigger Later, Vorellis and Demerzel join Dawn, Dusk and Ambassador Quent (Cherry Jones), who's part of the Foundation, for dinner. Quent congratulates Dawn on his upcoming ascension to Emperor Day. She tries to rattle him with talk of how Empire is supplying the rebel Traders. During dinner, Quent finally learns about the Mule seizing control of Kalgan. Dawn insists that Kalgan is nothing of import to Empire. It doesn't belong to them. Dawn reassures Quent that she's free to go about her duties without interference from him. He's focused on something much bigger. The End of It All Elsewhere, Day (Lee Pace) recites poetry to a camel. Song (Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing), his consort, watches and laughs. Day struggles to finish his made-up poem. Dusk stops by to summon Day, claiming that Demerzel wants him to see something. He clearly doesn't approve of Day's six-month sabbatical, during which he's having fun with consorts, making animals, eating fruit and lounging in the sun without a belly button. Honestly? Goals. RELATED: Read our Foundation recaps Dusk insists that, eventually, Day will have to wipe Song's memories so she won't divulge any secrets. Before he leaves for the meeting, Day throws on a robe. I love the bare minimum effort to appear 'presentable' here. When you're Lee Pace, though, you're already in top form… FOUNDATION Season 3 Episode 1, 'A Song for the End of Everything' — Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ Day reunites with Dawn and Dusk. Demerzel shows them what she's seen millions of times in the Prime Radiant. Yes, they know Empire will fall based on Hari Seldon's words, but the Prime Radiant is now claiming that this will happen in four months. Not only will Empire cease to exist in four months, but everything will cease to exist. Everything will end. On Ignis, we see Gaal in cryosleep. She dreams about the Mule. In one vision, he hoists her up by the neck, demanding to know where the Second Foundation is. Then, she wakes. Gaal declares that the Mule is already here, and they're out of time. Foundation drops new episodes every Friday on Apple TV+. On Location: The Lighterman in Apple TV+'s SLOW HORSES Contact: [email protected] What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events. Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet. Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium. Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Foundation stars admit they had to 'up their game' for cast of season 3
Foundation season 3 is currently airing on Apple TV+ and sees the arrival of a new character played by Cherry Jones Terrence Mann, star of the Apple TV+ series Foundation, has dropped some exciting hints about working with new guest star Cherry Jones, known for her role as Nan Pierce in HBO's Succession. Jones joins the cast as Ambassador Quent in the third season of the sci-fi epic, which is based on Isaac Asimov's legendary novels and set tens of thousands of years into the future under the rule of Emperor Cleon. The Empire is managed by a trio of clones at different ages: Brother Dawn (played by Cassian Bilton), Brother Day (Lee Pace), and Brother Dusk (Mann), with the upcoming season seeing Day distancing himself from his counterparts, leaving diplomatic responsibilities to Dawn and Dusk. Their interactions with Quent are crucial, especially as she represents Hari Seldon's (Jared Harris) Foundation. Speaking to Express Online, Mann expressed his delight at reuniting with Jones, saying, "I've known Cherry for years," and recalling their excitement upon learning they'd be working together: "When I knew she was coming on board we were just excited, we called one another and went 'Oh my God, you're gonna be there!'", reports the Express. "Every time we've talked about her, she's the most authentic, brilliant actress of our age. "There's not a bit of artifice on her as a performer or as a person. She's the dearest person you'll ever be with, she gives 100 percent of herself when you're working with her. "And what a joy, she gets to be my love interest in this season!" Season three of Foundation presents a formidable challenge for the three Cleons as nearly the entire supporting cast has been replaced. While Harris is reprising his role as Hari, along with his protégée Gaal Dornick (Lou Llobell) and the clones' robot advisor Demerzel (Laura Birn), the third season introduces several new characters, most notably the mysterious warmonger known as the Mule (Pilou Asbæk). Foundation also welcomes Alexander Siddig, Troy Kotsur, Synnøve Karlsen, Cody Fern and Brandon P. Bell to its ranks. Mann's co-star Bilton chimed in: "To be honest with you, when we saw this new cast list we all turned each other and were like, 'We've got to up our game'. "Because you've got some real heavy-hitters coming in this season. I mean, Cherry Jones, who's like a Broadway icon and we all know her from Succession. "I remember she was nominated for an Emmy when we were all on set with her. And Pilou Asbæk, who I adored in Game of Thrones, is now playing the Mule this season. "Cody Fern, who's been brilliant in the Ryan Murphy universe, Synnøve Karlsen who, to my mind, is one of the great young British actresses. And a tonne of other new talent. "All of those performances bring an authenticity but also a new edge and a new vitality and urgency to the show. I certainly felt [a tonal shift] because it was something I felt reading the scripts." The actor said, "It is work but I'm also a fan and I watched this show and I binged it, it is so addictive, particularly this season because the tone has shifted to be much darker, much more urgent. Ultimately it has a sense of danger to it." Regardless of whether you're a returning viewer or new to the series, Foundation's third season is a must-watch for fans of science fiction.
