Foundation season 2 isn’t trying to be Apple TV Plus' version of Star Wars
Exclusive: ‘We try to steer away from those franchises as much as we can’
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Foundationisn’t trying to becomeAppleTV Plus' version ofStar Wars, according to showrunner David S. Goyer.
Speaking exclusively to TechRadar duringFoundationseason 2’s press day, the creative head of Apple’s big-budget TV series played down suggestions that it was trying to copyStar Warsin any shape or form.
Foundation, which is based on Isaac Asimov’s seminal (but convoluted) book series of the same name, is actually considered as a key inspiration behind the development of Lucasfilm’s legendary sci-fi franchise. Comparisons between the two, then, have been part of the cultural zeitgeist sinceStar Wars: A New Hopeburst into theaters worldwide in 1977.
However, sinceFoundation’s TV adaptation made itsApple TV Plusdebut in November 2021, viewers have been quick to point out the similarities between the two properties. Some have gone as far as to say that, despiteFoundationpreceding its genre sibling by almost three decades, it’s actually trying to replicateStar Wars' movie-based success on the small screen (NB:Star Warshas also made the hyperdrive jump to the TV show realm with its slate ofDisney Plusshows in recent years).
The likeness between the two has only become more pertinent since the release ofFoundationseason 2’s numerous trailers, too. The first official trailer, which revealed the forthcoming season’s release date, appeared to suggestthe second season was taking its cues from another iconic sci-fi series inStar Trek. Less than a month later,Foundationseason 2’s second, lengthy trailer showed off the interstellar warthat’ll form its next installment. Again, fans were quick to draw parallels between Apple’s underrated TV show and its two sci-fi siblings, particularly from a galactic warfare perspective.
So, I asked Goyer for his thoughts on those inevitable comparisons, and whether they were a blessing or a curse for his visually arresting (but expensive) TV series. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Goyer was unequivocal in how he felt over the resemblance betweenFoundationand its more well-known colleagues.
“Take nothing away from those franchises, but we try to steer away from those franchises as much as we can,” he said. “For starters, we try to make our form of space travel different. We also film at least half of our show on location, not in the Volume or against LED screens. Everything from the color palette to our depiction of holograms, we’ve tried to chart our own path and be as visually distinct as possible. Hopefully, audiences will see those differences and realize this is a wholly unique galaxy.”
Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.
Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.
In spite of what audiences worldwide think or say, then, Foundation isn’t attempting to become the nextStar WarsorStar Trek. Of course, the analogous nature of their visuals, narratives, themes, and terminology –FoundationandStar Wars' bad guys are both referred to as The Galactic Empire – means the comparisons tag will be a hard one for the Apple TV show to shake.
As Goyer says, though, there are slight nuances between the duo andStar Trek, and the series' creator hopes that viewers begin to notice those subtle differences asFoundationseason 2 progresses. If not, Goyer and company can bask in the knowledge that, as a book-based propertyFoundationcame first – and nobody can say otherwise.
TechRadar will be bringing you even more exclusiveFoundationcoverage in the lead-up to, and in and around, season 2’s release on Friday, July 14. In the meantime, catch up on all of our season 1 episode recaps, beginning withFoundationepisode 1(which isfree to watch on YouTube right now). Alternatively, check out one of thesefive other sci-fi sagas before its second season airs.
As TechRadar’s senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You’ll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.
An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as thisMoon Knight TV spot.
Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across.
Got a scoop, interesting story, or an intriguing angle on the latest news in entertainment? Feel free to drop him a line.
I’m canceling Prime Video for Apple TV Plus this month – here are 5 reasons why
4 new Apple TV Plus movies and shows I’m excited to stream in November
England vs Australia live stream: how to watch 2024 rugby union Autumn International online from anywhere
