Pilou Asbæk draws inspiration for villain role from classic literature

On September 16, 2025, Pilou Asbæk, known for his role in Game of Thrones, discussed his character The Mule in the science fiction series Foundation during an interview in New York. The show, which streams on Apple TV+, is based on Isaac Asimov's acclaimed sci-fi novel series, now with three seasons available and a fourth in production. Asbæk embodied The Mule, a complex and powerful villain, portraying him as a misunderstood figure longing for love and acceptance, reminiscent of the protagonist in The Little Prince. Asbæk explained that in portraying The Mule, he drew parallels to the themes of love, humanity, and the quest for identity found in the story of The Little Prince. He explained how The Mule struggles with feelings of evil and questions why he has been denied love throughout his life. This character complexity adds depth to the role and resonates with the viewers, challenging the notion of villainy and evoking empathy for this powerful figure who seeks revenge against a world that has mistreated him. The Foundation series follows a group of scientists attempting to save humanity from the collapse of the Galactic Empire through the establishment of the Foundation, a civilization on a distant planet. The cast includes Jared Harris and Lou Llobell, who lead the charge against the oppressive powers of the empire, represented by the clones Brother Day, Brother Dusk, and Brother Dawn. Asbæk, who typically plays heroic roles in his native Denmark, has found himself frequently cast as antagonists in larger international productions, enjoying the opportunity to work with top talent in the industry. Asbæk expressed his pride in being part of a project that pays tribute to Asimov, a cornerstone figure in science fiction, acknowledging the creative interpretation of the original works by the series' creator, David S. Goyer. He emphasized the importance of maintaining respect for the source material while recognizing that adaptations inevitably vary from their literary origins. Asbæk's insights and reflections on this ongoing project highlight the evolving landscape of science fiction storytelling and the complexities of character portrayals in modern television.