Latest news with #Mule
Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
‘Majestic' sci-fi epic is finally back for season 3
One of the best science fiction dramas of the past decade has finally returned with its best season yet Apple TV+'s gripping science fiction epic is finally back for its third season and it's more timely than ever before. Based on the iconic works of Isaac Asimov, Foundation is a sprawling saga set 10s of thousands of years into the future, when the galaxy is ruled by a lineage of clones based on the original Emperor Cleon, portrayed by Lee Pace, Cassian Bilton and Terrence Mann, known as Brother Dawn, Day and Dusk. When ingenious mathematician Hari Seldon (Jared Harris) formulates psychohistory, a scientific method of predicting the future, he foresees the Empire's downfall which will lead to a dark age lasting eons. He subsequently recruits fellow maths genius Gaal Dornick (Lou Llobell), who helps him create Foundation, an interstellar alliance working to preserve human knowledge. This season sees their coalition face their greatest threat, a Mentalic known as the Mule (Pilou Asbæk), an unpredictable warlord with the ability to bend people to his will. More than ever before, season three of Foundation is a poignant example of how sci-fi stories set millennia into the future can still resonate deeply with the issues we're facing today. Take it from the cast themselves, including Brother Dusk star Mann who told Express Online and other press: 'What happens in Foundation, for all three seasons, mirrors exactly what's happening in the world in any given country, or continent, or city, or home, or family, or town. 'That part of humanity doesn't change, the dysfunctionality of families, they're there and we love them and that kind of storytelling has been here as long as the written word.' And his co-star Bilton, who portrays Brother Dawn, added: 'I think the show this season, more than other seasons, has a very confronting relevance to the world we're living in right now. 'What we explore this season is the idea that power ultimately shouldn't be held by one individual for too long. 'There are elements of the Cleons' rule that are borderline fascistic, they are essentially autocrats. They're, for all intents and purposes, not democratically elected. They're clinging to power, even though that wouldn't be the right thing for them or anyone else. 'You see across the entire Foundation universe the implications of that, and none of it's good. It really is war.' While Foundation has always struck a chord both with human history and contemporary life, the Mule introduces brand new themes that will feel eerily timely to today's online landscape. 'You have that on one side and also another thing that strikes me as relevant is the Mentalic element of this season,' Bilton continued. 'Of course it is a science-fiction idea but, I think with the rise of social media and its influence on the way in which we carry out our daily lives and the choices that we make being informed by the time we spend on our phones has echoes in what the Mule is able to do. 'It's not so much that he has a very strong army of people with weapons, but he can get in the minds of people. What you're seeing now, both with the rise of AI and the proliferation of social media globally, is people have a shortcut into your attention and your mind. 'Capitalism has taken over every single land mass in the world and now the thing it's coming for is the real estate of your mind. 'That's echoed in the Mule so I do think there's a striking relevance this season to the world we're living in.' Reviews from fans have called the show 'magnificent and majestic' and a 'groundbreaking adaptation' of Asimov's original novels, so make sure you find time for this stunning sci-fi series soon.
Gizmodo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
‘Foundation' Star Lou Llobell on Gaal Dornick's Season 3 Journey
Foundation returns July 11 to kick off its third season, almost exactly two years since season two began. That's a while for fans to wait, but nobody understands the agony of patience like central character Gaal Dornick, who puts herself into extended cryosleep so she can live to face the Mule, the powerful villain we'll meet in the episodes ahead. And it's not even her first time in the pod. Season three picks up 152 years after season two; Gaal has already been alive for over 100 years on top of that. At a recent Foundation press day, io9 talked to Lou Llobell about what it's like playing the longest-lived human around. Fortunately, Llobell says, Gaal's actually been sleeping for most of it. 'I don't think she is processing anything when she is in cryosleep, [though] it's obviously a little bit disorienting right when she wakes up.' Back in season one, Gaal was forced into an escape pod that took her out of commission for a few decades. Later, she added over 100 years to her lifespan when she needed to travel across the galaxy. But the slumber she undertakes while counting down to the Mule is different, Llobell explains. 'This time around she almost makes that decision for herself. It's not like she's thrown into a cryopod like she has been before, and I think there's a difference there, but she obviously hates it, and it's tedious for her. And as much as she was doing it to get to the point of the Mule being in [existence], she now looks at it as kind of an annoying thing.' That said, Llobell adds, 'Thank god she had [the cryopod], because otherwise she wouldn't have been able to confront the Mule in the way she does.' In season three, we see the Second Foundation—set up in secret at the end of season two—undergo a leadership shift. Gaal's mentor, Hari Seldon, is quite elderly when season three begins and soon passes away. That means Gaal—a gifted psychic on a planet full of them—has to step up and be the leader. 'She really does open herself up more … these people are like her. She doesn't feel so left out. They have similarities. She's with her people, and there's something about that that makes her feel comfortable and lets her open up,' Llobell said. And Gaal proves to be worthy of the responsibility. 'I think she listens to her people. I think she's inclusive. I think she allows people to be themselves. And she's got a plan, and everyone respects her, which I think is really important for her to be a good leader, but she's generous, and that helps.' Season three also affords Llobell the opportunity to explore what she describes as Gaal's darker side, which comes out as she works to put her plan in motion. 'You see her in a completely different light,' Llobell teased. 'She's honed all these skills, and she's not afraid to make sacrifices or take chances in order to get what she needs to get, and it's pretty cool to see the darker side. I wouldn't say it's a dark side, but she's well-rounded now. She's got a different side to her that sometimes isn't very nice, and that's okay.' There's a direct line from that not-so-nice side back to the man who taught her many hard lessons: Hari Seldon. That includes his fondness for not telling Gaal his true intentions a lot of the time. 'I think [she] probably understands Hari a lot more now and understands why he made [certain] decisions. She obviously hated it [at the time], but she sees the value in it now.' Foundation viewers have a special connection to Gaal since she provides its narration. It's her voice we hear at the start and end of most episodes, an important place marker in a show that shifts across time and space and follows quite a few different storylines. 'I get to see a lot of footage before it's fully edited together,' Llobell said. 'So it's really cool. But it's funny because the voiceover for this season was kind of—not an afterthought, but we didn't know how much of it we were going to do until we got into the booth.' In Llobell's mind, 'it's some version of Gaal in the future telling someone … 'Listen, this is what's happened, this is history, this is the story of how we came to be where we are now.'' Foundation season three begins July 11 on Apple TV+. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Gizmodo
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Pilou Asbæk on Playing the Mule, ‘Foundation' Season 3's Terrifying Villain
Long before joining Apple TV+ series Foundation as the Mule—season three's ruthless, flamboyant, and deeply complicated villain—Pilou Asbæk already had a fan base of genre TV watchers. He played Euron Greyjoy (a ruthless, flamboyant, deeply complicated villain) on HBO's Game of Thrones. There's a connection there, but to hear the Danish actor tell it, the similar characters are not a reflection of his actual personality whatsoever. 'I'm the most boring guy alive,' Asbæk told io9 at a recent Foundation press day. 'I wouldn't hurt a fly. I don't do anything out of line. I'm just a simple guy who likes to eat pizza, drink beer, and watch sports. But that said, I think the reason why I got the role was that David [Goyer, Foundation creator and executive producer] had seen my portrayal of Euron Greyjoy on Game of Thrones, and he thought that would be the element he wanted to bring—that unpredictableness, that craziness—to Foundation, because that is what the mule is: he's chaos. This whole show is about predicting the future, knowing what's going to happen, will Foundation and Empire be able to collaborate, et cetera. And then all of a sudden you have this character who is just like a menace, who brings violence. Disaster!' Being cast on Foundation offered Asbæk's first introduction not only to the show and its story, but also to author Isaac Asimov. 'I didn't know anything about the books. Honestly, I didn't know anything about the show. I don't watch a lot of TV,' he said. 'So when I got the call from David Goyer asking me if I wanted to read the scripts and portray the Mule in season three, he opened a door I didn't know existed into a world I didn't know existed. And I got introduced to Asimov. And then I found out that all the sci-fi I've ever seen in my life is inspired by his books, and it was such a revelation. I'm super thankful to be part of Foundation, but I'm mostly thankful for the introduction to Asimov, to be honest.' The Mule has been teased in the story so far—he actually appeared in season two, very briefly, portrayed by Mikael Persbrandt. But season three sees the character go full-throttle, right from the very first scene of the very first episode. 'I knew they wanted to have him very masculine, because that's also the reason why they had Mikael Persbrandt to [play] him in season two; [he's] a very masculine actor,' Asbæk said. 'So I knew that they wanted him to have swag, they wanted him to have this brutality. But what I thought was most interesting about the Mule was honestly the exact opposite. Him being frozen in time, him being a child, him not knowing how to have a relationship, how to feel love, because he has never really experienced it.' He continued. 'That inspiration came from a book called The Little Prince by [Antoine de] Saint-Exupéry; that's the reason why he's wearing the red cape. That's the reason he [acts like] a child in some of the scenes. And [as the show goes on], you'll understand even more why I do these weird shifts throughout the season, as if he's like, 'What is wrong with him?' He's a bit off. He's out of sync with the world. And that's… I don't want to spoil anything.' Noted! And Foundation fans already know they're rewarded by paying close attention to the show's many nuances. But it's not a spoiler to say that Foundation, the series, takes a different approach to the character than the source material does. 'The reason why we made him very different from the books is that the way the Mule is in the books, he's the fool, he is the trickster, he has this very weak, insecure character you wouldn't consider being one of the greatest villains ever written,' Asbæk said. 'We didn't have time to do that. We had this, [and] maybe next season, where we have to go 2,000 miles per hour, introduce the character, he's a threat, he can kill everyone, he could rule the world, and now Foundation and Empire need to figure out: are we going to collaborate, or are we going to die?' Foundation hasn't yet been renewed for a fourth season yet (Asbæk has high hopes, joking, 'I just bought a house!'), but season three is almost here: the first episode hits Apple TV+ July 11. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Grazia USA
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Grazia USA
Taylor Swift Spotted Wearing a Chic Green & White Checkered Outfit at Tight End University — Shop Her Style
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 02: Taylor Swift attends the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo byfor The Recording Academy) Taylor Swift stole the spotlight, once again, wearing a fresh, green-and-white checkered set from Hunter Bell at the Tight End University Event on June 23. With playful pattern, crisp accessories, and personalized jewelry, this look is a perfect blueprint for summer sophistication. Here's how you can recreate Swift's green-and-white set style this summer — and why it's destined to trend. The Outfit: Hunter Bell Brookie Top & Eva Skirt Photo courtesy of CELINE Brookie Top – A cropped, sleeveless design in playful green-and-white checks, this piece offers a perfect blend of preppy charm and lattice-lovely details. Eva Skirt – The coordinating midi skirt creates a matching set that's both effortless and memorable. The Bag: Celine Small Camille 16 Soft Bag in White This white, softly structured bag is the perfect complement — elegant yet understated, it adds polish without overshadowing the outfit's pattern. The Shoes: Sandy Liang Thong Mule in Optic White Nappa Minimalist and sophisticated, these mules allow the outfit to shine while keeping your look grounded and summer-ready. The Jewelry: Swift's mix of symbolic, high-end pieces tells its own style story: Why This Outfit Will Be a Summer 2025 Trend Photo Credit: Hunter Bell Playful Prints Meet Polished Silhouettes: Checkered sets — like Hunter Bell's duo — offer visual interest while maintaining a polished, elegant cut. Full sets are a go-to for busy days: just one style, endless impact. Quiet Luxury Meets Personalized Charm: Taylor's layering of precious jewelry captures the 'quiet luxury' aesthetic — understated, refined, yet deeply personal. This trend continues strong through 2025. Color Refresh: Green isn't just for spring. That crisp spring-green-versus-white combo translates seamlessly into summer hues and brightens any wardrobe rotation. Easy Elegance = Travel Must-Have: Matching sets are the ultimate travel outfit: packable, versatile, and style-ready. Perfect for dynamic summer itineraries full of events, dinners, and sun-drenched afternoons. Celebrity Style = Influence + Accessibility: When Taylor Swift — one of the world's most followed icons — chooses a bold printed set, it resonates. Expect to see more checkered prints and matching co-ords in Summer 2025 lookbooks and on every 'it' girl influencer. Taylor Swift is proof that summer style can be both playful and polished with her latest green-and-white checkered set — a lesson in making bold patterns feel timeless. By combining a statement-making set with personalized jewelry and crisp accessories, she delivers a roadmap for summer dressing that's approachable, elevated, and undeniably chic. So if you're looking to refresh your warm-weather wardrobe, take a page from Swift's book — this is one trend worth making your own.
Hypebeast
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Jordan Spizike Low "Bordeaux" Channels Presidential Style
Name:Jordan Spizike Low 'Bordeaux'Colorway:Neutral Grey/Varsity Maize/Surf Blue/Dark Shadow/Varsity Red/BlackSKU:IM7425-004MSRP:$160 USDRelease Date:2025Where to Buy:Nike The release of theJordan Spizike Low'Bordeaux' has the seal of approval from former presidentBarack Obama. This colorway first made waves in January 2012 when legendary filmmakerSpike Leegifted a pair of the original Spizike high-tops to Barack Obama. Now, Nike revisits the iconic design with a more accessible low-top silhouette — reimagining a classic through a modern lens. The Spizike Low pulls elements from several classic Air Jordan models. Elephant print overlays on the toe and heel nod to the Air Jordan 3, while the signature wings on the collar take inspiration from the Air Jordan 4, adding both lacing support and visual contrast. A grid-patterned eyestay in Surf Blue, paired with matching collar lining, adds a vibrant touch, with varsity red laces popping against the sleek black and white upper for added texture and dimension. The heel branding brings it all home, featuring Spike Lee's iconic Mars Blackmon logo on the left shoe and the 40 Acres and a Mule logo — his production company — on the right, both stamped in Surf Blue and Varsity Red for a bold finish.
