Foundation: Lee Pace on Playing the Emperor of the Galaxy and Why He Loves Speculative Fiction

After many years of people talking about bringing acclaimed author Isaac Asimov’s hugely influential series of novels, Foundation, to the screen, the day has finally arrived as the series is now streaming on AppleTV+. Considered by many to be one of the greatest science fiction works of all time, Foundation is an extremely ambitious series that takes place across many planets and time periods.
For those unfamiliar with the source material, Asimov’s book series takes place at a time when humans are scattered on planets all over the universe, living under the rule of the Galactic Empire. When a psycho-historian who has the power to see the future foretells that the empire will collapse very soon, he sets out to ensure that the knowledge of mankind isn’t wiped out.
The cast for Foundation includes Jared Harris as Hari Seldon; Lee Pace as Brother Day; Lou Llobell as Gaal Dornick; Leah Harvey as Salvor Hardin; Laura Birn as Demerzel; Laura Birn as Eto Demerzel; Terrence Mann as Brother Dusk; Alfred Enoch as Raych Seldon; and Cassian Bilton as Brother Dawn. David S. Goyer is the showrunner and executive producer of the series and it’s produced for Apple by Skydance Television with Robyn Asimov, Josh Friedman, Cameron Welsh, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Bill Bost also serving as executive producers.
Shortly after watching the first eight episodes, I spoke with Lee Pace about the fantastic series. He talked about what drew him to the project, what it’s like playing the emperor of the galaxy, why he is a fan of speculative fiction, how this is a big budget, high concept show, the way Foundation is an investigation on what it means to be human, and more. In addition, he broke down how he prepares for filming a really emotional or dramatic scene and why he rewatched Halt and Catch Fire again when it was streaming on Netflix.
Watch what he had to say in the player above and below is exactly what we talked about followed by the official synopsis.
#LeePace #Foundation #HaltandCatchFire
Lee Pace
Did more people want to talk to him about Halt and Catch Fire when it was on Netflix?
How he watched it again when it was on Netflix.
How Foundation looks epic.
Was he nervous to sign on to something that could last eight years?
Why he is a fan of speculative fiction and talking about what is happening on Earth abstractly.
On getting to play the emperor of the galaxy.
What interested him in playing the character.
How the series isn’t dumbing itself down and it’s an investigation on what it means to be human.
How does he get ready to film a really emotional or dramatic scene?
How the series added more diversity and women to the story.
Here’s the Foundation official synopsis:
When revolutionary Dr. Hari Seldon predicts the impending fall of the Empire, he and a band of loyal followers venture to the far reaches of the galaxy to establish The Foundation in an attempt to rebuild and preserve the future of civilization. Enraged by Hari's claims, the ruling Cleons - a long line of emperor clones - fear their grasp on the galaxy may be weakening as they’re forced to reckon with the potential reality of losing their legacy forever.
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[@id104335409]

He nailed Empire's role. He stands like he is always about to be immortalised in a statue.

[@fangkc]

His performance and storyline was my favorite part of the show. The rest was meh for me.

[@bedroombully9614]

Relentlessly handsome

[@somerandomchannel382]

Cleons had to play different people but with the same body. That is acting! I also think Lee Pace is my favorite part of the show. But everything and everyone else was also my favorite part. The whole idea of Foundation and different planets and society speaks to me, even more then Dune sometimes. Its like a human colony and everything is portray with such real human feelings.

[@kookie_2178]

​@@somerandomchannel382 absolutely right👌.

[@vanessaa7602]

​@@bedroombully9614 Amazingly accurate. 😂

[@jamieanderson6786]

Lee Pace is most definitely the star of this series, his genetic dynasty plot line to me is the best element of the show.

[@Stephaniefarrah]

💯I don't care for anything else I tje show except what's happening with the genetic dynasty and Demerzel. What happens to the clones now that they're all damaged.....what will Demerzel do??

[@childishbrownie]

Season 2 is absolutely amazing thus far

[@purdysanchez]

It's such great story about tragedy and enslavement.

[@Baulder13]

You put Lee on screen and hear his voice he's the only character anyone cares about. He's got insane screen presence.

[@Dave-xb3xe]

What a charming and thoughtful dude Lee Pace is. Respect.

[@djofortunato5799]

Mmh. Study with Master Yoda I see you have

[@Blynat]

@@djofortunato5799 Orbital platform, failing it is.

[@joejasat]

@@Blynat Last refuge of the incompetent, violence it is.

[@DjRenect]

Was thinking the same. Especially when you consider the character he portrays.

[@MMAoracle]

@@DjRenect Would you consider his character a villain?

[@paulschulz5872]

He's fantastic in Foundation, he steals every scene!

[@vira8880]

He is by far the best character on Foundation

[@MekkaSG]

Lee is so painfully underrated .

[@gekylafas]

He is such a likeable person! Totally different from his character, he has done a very good job!

[@Uouttooo]

Watch the short-lived TV series "Pushing Daisies"! He was super-likeable before he switched to playing a villain in every movie.

[@JayJay5244]

@@Uouttooo Honestly, I think the antagonistic side suits him more, whether that be in movies like Lincoln or The Hobbit even, he brings such a commendable performance to the screen I don’t think he could have as a protagonist, much like Ralph Fiennes or Kevin Spacey

[@Lincoln_Bio]

I love how this man who's played such detached, stoic and powerful characters comes across as such a passionate and adorable nerd irl

[@jwgoon]

I can't take my eyes off Lee Pace's magnificent eyebrows

[@bobbyjames5500]

He has big ass hands 🙌🏻☺️

[@TheLonesomeChef]

I was today’s years old when I found out Lee Pace isn’t actually British.

[@Vexarax]

I just watched No Country For Old Men again the other day (referencing your profile pic). Brilliant film, and one of the most ominous bad guys in cinema history :)

[@spaceycakey1987]

were so used to americans doing bad british accents that when an american does a good one we think hes british lol

[@Vexarax]

@@spaceycakey1987 it's the same the other way around too. I love Sean Bean but I find his American accents can be quite noticeable sometimes, whereas Dominic West and Idris Elba sounded flawless (to me anyway, but I'm a Kiwi not American or UK) in The Wire, I didn't even realize they were British until I saw them in other movies. :)

[@HOT_SAUCE_ADDICT]

@@spaceycakey1987 Wait but why is he doing a british accent? Just randomly for fun or what?

[@spaceycakey1987]

@@HOT_SAUCE_ADDICT i most know him from guardians of the galaxy and the hobbit he puts an accent on that sounds british so i presumed he was at first as both movies are different but accents are similar

[@Dr.Harvey]

Lee Pace is formidable as Cleon. His charisma got my attention.

[@_Caedwyn]

you want an emperor / king who brings out majesty/elegance/power/fear/absolution/pride/charisma ALL at the same time ? you put lee pace in the role.

[@CRISNCHIPS12398]

Lee is just an incredible and thoughtful person, loved him as he played Thranduil and of course as Cleon.

[@WeGameHard]

Wow I didn't even know he played that character 😳 !

[@J.O.R_BR_Overclocking]

Don’t forget him as Ronan the Accuser!

[@HigherPlanes]

"Empire"

[@CRISNCHIPS12398]

@@J.O.R_BR_Overclocking True, another great role.

[@syrkaros5815]

I've watched this show until the end just for him. He's an underrated actor and deserves a major role in cinema

[@enzoremy2464]

Lee did an amazing job with the Cleons. He basically played 2 versions of Cleon, with subtle differences. Such charisma and talent! Halt & Catch Fire is another tv gem where he was awesome. Also saw Pushing Daisies, one of my favourites. But he impressed me the most in Soldier's Girl and the Fall. He should have got an Oscar for Soldier's Girl.

[@johnskidmore1906]

Episode 10. The garden speech is one of the most incredible sanctions I've ever seen on screen or film. I've watched that scene a dozen times and am awed every time.

[@jakoby2k65]

It's the polar opposite of where he himself comes from, so it makes sense that it's the worst thing he can think of to do to a person

[@anthonynewman4039]

It's a truly beautiful calming environment but what he's calmly saying is beyond horrific & unimaginable.Cleon's vengeance for his lost brother/son is satisfied and you can see this as the realisation and fear rise as her fate dawns.The closest we have came to that concept of fear would be government totalitarian organisations,monarchy or organised crime families(same thing really)

[@ag4eng]

Lee Pace is an amazing actor whether it’s Joe, Ronan or Brother Day. He really grabs your attention when he speaks and inhabits those characters in an epic way.

[@dittebakmlle4506]

Agree. I first saw him in The Hobbit as the elvenking Thrandruil, and he was the PERFECT person for that role. :)

[@Posit_Zero_Blue]

Lee Pace is one of the most underrated working actors.

[@ManicEngine]

While the books are well deserved classics, I love the ideas the show explores with Cleon, and the performance Lee brings to that character

[@agenteducateur]

We need to put him together with Tom Hiddleston in a movie but with actual counter acting.

[@justahumanwithamask4089]

I actually thought he was tom when i first saw him on foundation.

[@cosmologicfrog9596]

@@justahumanwithamask4089 I thought so too!

[@id104335409]

YES!

[@janellie1985]

Oh my gosh, YES!! There were multiple times that he hardcore reminded me of Tom Hiddleston, particularly as Loki. Brother Day and Loki have a lot of similar personality traits so that’s prob part of it (although we’ve seen that Loki is redeemable, and I’m not so sure the Bro Day who walked the Salt Spiral is 🥴). This is prob blasphemous to say, but I could legit see the two actors swapping roles and still nailing them. Tom would be an amazing Bro Day. And I actually think Lee Pace could pull off Loki, which is WILD bc Tom as Loki is legendary.

[@tumbahantoine2517]

A comedy of two adult man-child’s whose children are overly competitive trying to one up each other.

[@orlando-from-The-Bronx]

Lee Pace played the main character in one of the most visually striking movies I've ever seen, The Fall. I just wish it was a better film.

[@LadyEng]

I recently watched it again and I enjoyed even more

[@zaramaniac4474]

The Fall is brilliant!

[@jonblumenfeld8884]

Lee Pace has absolutely stolen this show - he has to win multiple awards.

[@thevikingsock8527]

he completely carried foundation on his shoulders. All actors were nice, but he really stole the show :D

[@zlamelie]

Eloquent, smart, poised, handsome, hot, tall, exceptional at acting, humble, charming, ... Oh my Lee.

[@fernandogarajalde4066]

I was one of the 6 ( or 7 ) viewers of “Halt and Catch Fire” when it was on AMC and it was a revelation to realize just now that Lee was one of the major players in that series. 😆

[@bbquiltartist11]

I was fascinated with that series.

[@CointreauMechanics]

Excellent interview! Interviewer lets Lee fully explore his answers

[@isabellerunkledelavega556]

I think this is the best Lee Pace interview on Foundation of them all - so congratulations. Having seen the 10 episodes, I must say how spectacular, outstanding Lee Pace's acting was. He is obviously a very intelligent, thoughtful man, as well as a superb actor. This interviews shows that clearly. And I hope that Pace gets an Emmy for his performance. I hadn't heard of Lee Pace until I watched Foundation, and I am amazed at how good an actor he is. Following your recommendation, I have started watching "Half and Catch Fire" as well. I am a big Asimov fan, but have not been worried about the differences between the books and the TV series. Some changes, like gender swapping, increased diversity, have been a relief. Furthermore, as Goyer has said, so many things happen "off-screen" in the books that it is frustrating. I really did enjoy season 1, and look forward to season 2. AND I am looking forward to the promised "reinterview" with Lee Pace, now that all 10 episodes have been streamed. Thank you.

[@s3p4kner]

He's certainly underappreciated. His scenes in the Hobbit movies as the Elven King Thranduil were a treat, I can't imagine anyone else playing the role of this quasi-immortal, Serene, Heartbroken & Ruthless warrior.

[@c.rosestewart1163]

One of Lee Pace’s most underrated master piece’s is called ‘The Fall’ and I highly recommend it to anyone that enjoy artistic movies (and Lee Pace).

[@john80944]

I love every seconds the Empires were on the screen Lee Pace have done a wonderful job portraying an embodiment of imperial powers but still make Empire a human character.

[@SilhouetteSE]

Lee is destined to play royalty 👑💖

[@daniels7907]

Elven, to be specific.

[@luga718]

Yes,Thandruil

[@MrZeko3rs]

Foundation is one of the best shows on tv, and the acting is just wonderful!!

[@keirangrant1607]

He seems like a different Cleon every iteration....I think they found the best actor for this role. I don't really like Cleon, but I understand his POV and situation. This series is pretty cool man.

[@garychurch9740]

Thought he was British and thought he was younger. Sounds like a real nice guy- and he is a great actor. Real professional.

[@rigby37]

Great interview! Lee is so laid-back and gracious with his answers.

[@spacechampi0n]

I love this take on Cleon. It actually improves of the original because Cleon is like the Anti-Mule. The Mule throws the psychohistory equations into disarray, while someone like Cleon simply because he rules more or less the same way generation after generation, is a stabilizing force on the equations -- not on the galaxy! He makes the equations more likely to be accurate.

[@Uouttooo]

But isn't the series now showing us one that is deviating from the others?

[@alanpennie8013]

spacechampion That explains why Demerzel supports him despite him treating her horribly.

[@chazfromtheburg]

I've never seen Lee Pace in any role he didn't own with excellence. Such a brilliant actor! Can't wait for season 3 of Foundation.

[@bluemoon4944]

What he did with the Cleons was outstanding, a complete master class on acting. He deserves so much more recognition, he's such a great actor.

[@omma911]

He's amazing and truly seems to be interested in his role and the lore.

[@alowonka]

What a beautiful man...

[@beebarfthebard]

I was so worried they were going to destroy The Foundation, but I was SO pleased to see how much I absolutely LOVE it and Lee is such a big part of my infatuation with this show.

[@PeBoVision]

LOVED Halt and Catch Fire. (who could have ever imagined that TI's departure from the home computer market would be presented in a in television fiction in which a C64 was bleeding-edge tech ?). Such a brilliant homage to the era of emerging technologies, and to those of us who made it part of our lives. I am forever thankful for it. Lee Pace was, as always, outstanding (within an already outstanding cast)

[@davidmurray2829]

This man is such a underrated actor. I loved Halt .and Catch Fire as well.

[@sfdudeca]

Like Jean Smart, Lee Pace is an under-rated actor who deserves more recognition. He is wonderful in the 2007 film “Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day.”

[@ericpowell4350]

Lee Pace is an amazing actor.

[@katinamartin7934]

I LOVE him on Foundation I dont say this very much but watching him in this role its like beautiful art work come to life. I enjoy the show and have watched all the episodes now and cant wait for more.

[@Simbecile]

How did this lovely human being do such a masterful job as both Thranduil and Cleon ? He's so gentle and those characters are so intimidating.

[@redbarchetta8782]

I truly hope Apple does more than just streams this. And sell it on more than just their platform.

[@kseniaavetisova9583]

Halt and Catch Fire is absolutely outstanding work, Lee! What you said about great ideas and wrong timing - it makes Joe so real, so vulnerable, so relatable. Thank you for telling that story so vividly! 🤍 And your take on the bigger picture of how Foundation relates to our age & human mentality makes it even more precious to watch each episode. Thank you!!!

[@blankname6629]

No mention of guardians of the galaxy?

[@thevikingsock8527]

lee paces seems so nice and friendly in this interview :D such a strong contrast to his emperor-role haha :D

[@erudite6640]

Lee Pace is a great actor, he caught my attention in the "The Good Shepherd" with Matt Damon.

[@Wolfsheim23]

This series is incredible! I couldn't believe how great it was and with nobody talking about it. I don't understand how this show is getting so overlooked! I enjoyed this so much more than Dune, which it's very similar but way more epic. Also this is book I've tried to read for many years and just couldn't follow it. The way they do it in the series is just brilliant. The way they introduced Cloning as a method to fix one of the most difficult aspects of the book is so smart. Lee Pace. wow. What a Role!

[@nathaliebazinga]

He seems like such a passionate and intelligent man. He and Gary Oldman are definitely my number one actors of all time and extremely underrated by the general audience might I add... Such chameleons. I really appreciate all of Lee's work and characters, especially Ronan, Joe McMillan and Roy from the Fall. And even though he is really beautiful as a woman, sweet as a pie maker and a romantic interest in his films, I still feel like he is the best at playing characters with a leadership role. His overall personality oozes with dominance, passion, wisdom, confidence, conviction etc. and he translates these emotions so well into these characters. I am beyond impressed with his acting. Such a talented man. In my 27 year "career" as a film buff I don't think I could've or will find another actor other than him and Oldman that can keep on grabbing my attention and not ceasing to amaze me even after more than a decade. I am really excited to find out as to what else this guy can play in the future. Cheers from Serbia xx

[@Uouttooo]

Underrated? He keeps on playing villains in the biggest films and TV shows. Underrated is when he does not get acting jobs.

[@nathaliebazinga]

@@Uouttooo Underrated means when a person doesn't get as much recognition with the mass public and movie critics as he should based on his talent...xD What you defined as underrated is actually "underemployed" hahah

[@allnamestakenisnot]

Gosh I love that he is playing Cleon, he brings it to life in such a way I now cannot imagine anyone else doing so. He is so regal, I love Lee Pace.

[@jocelyngarvin188]

He's my favorite elven king. Total hotness on an elk!

[@sedawk]

Lee Pace and the Cleon storyline make this series special.

[@sookiebyun4260]

What a gorgeous man Lee Pace is!!! **Big sigh!**. It was fascinating to watch Lee play more than one Brother Day. I had to keep reminding myself which Brother Dawn he was since time moved back and forth. I love that Lee is really interested in science fiction!

[@melbietoast82]

Love him! I feel marvel should use him for a more front and center character….sooo good!

[@hlsylsify]

I have never stopped loving him. One of my favourite actors.

[@drhexagonapus]

I love what he said about the diversity on foundation, I've heard waayy too many people complain that it's too "woke" for having a diverse cast. What these people never seem to understand is that this story is about humanity, with a scope that is so much greater than any single person. It doesn't matter if an individual has more or less melanin in their skin, or what their genitals are, just that we are human and therefore apart of the story of humanity.

[@germansnowman]

Agreed, but that is also exactly why diversity for diversity’s sake is so problematic. It shouldn’t matter. (To be clear, I don’t think the actors in Foundation are just diversity hires.)

[@GDRaptorFan13]

Best part of the show hands down. I loved the show but he was SO GOOD. Unbelievable actor he got our attention !

[@RJCXDOfficial]

Lee Pace's shirt in the thumbnail is cool

[@HectorAgostoOne]

He's the Loki of the Foundation universe in that his character has a terrible uncaring side but his acting is so phenomenal you want him to be redeemed or at least see where he goes. He definitely steals all scenes he's in.

[@wolves1901]

Fantastic cast in Foundation. I really like this show so far. Great interview. Thanks ! He is one fantastic actor and seems like a really cool guy.

[@hectorreyesLIVE]

Mr. Pace has done a fantastic job in season 1, hope he gets recognition from his peers

[@companymen42]

He is so good as Brother Day!

[@pauloamerico1923]

Cleon IS one of the best vilains i had ever see. Best thing in the séries. Each cleon IS better than the one before. Amazing actor

[@ebaquero8400]

Great interview with Lee Pace. I love Science Fiction and like all the special effects in the Foundation series.

[@Planet2A]

Ive been watching "pushing daisies", didnt realize i he was the main character until the end of the first episode, great show.

[@ALROD]

I wanna hear Lee Pace’s voice reading me a book or something

[@romkobo]

He nailed the role. Great performance.

[@MaxyStark]

Amazing interview, and really interesting questions, is obvious that Lee Pace is enjoying them as much, and he is amazing like always.

[@AMITAWAGHADE]

Halt and Catch Fire means a lot to me, such an amazing show!

[@kathrenecampbell6708]

Born for this role. Outstanding actor. And terrific interview. I love that Lee is not trying to be a comedian, he's naturally quick witted, of course, yet the answers are relatable and true to Asimov's work.

[@fanlin3207]

His acting steals spot light in every roles he played. 🎉

[@thanksfernuthin]

The idea of the three clone Emperors was genius. Normally, like a lot of people, I get pretty upset if major changes are made to a work when it's brought to the screen. It seems some in the film industry look at a story that has enraptured people for decades or centuries and have the hubris to assume they know better than the original creator. They decide to "improve" it by making massive changes to important plot points. But in this case, the way you can give the audience a character that will span hundreds of years organically that they can identify with even as a villain... brilliant.

[@xcargrl3870]

I had never heard of "Halt and Catch Fire" OR Lee Pace until I noticed it on my Netflix feed. I'm watching it right now for the 3rd time! It is a tremendous story, acting and writing are perfect, clothing, props, cars are very authentic to that period. I owned Gordon's ugly green blender in 1973. I tell everyone to watch it. LUV IT!

[@AcademeX]

What? You didn't see The Hobbit?

[@nataliemoreno9561]

OMG please watch the movie The Fall. It is my favorite Lee Pace film, most beautiful thing you will ever see!

[@chriskatzer]

I just love this guy, such an amazing actor

[@zzzzzzzzzzz6]

Halt and Catch Fire is the only reason I'm watching Foundation.. Leehas a crazy powerful charisma

[@gmcmurr15]

Halt and Catch Fire was awesome. I think that's one of the 1st roles I seen Lee Pace as. I'm hooked on Foundation too lol. Lee Pace seems like a cool chill kind of guy

[@mrdot1126]

yeah.. he and the Brother Dusk's actor really manage to depict the different incarnations of their characters masterfully.. i mean the brother Dusk during the Sky-bridge incident and the brother Dusk "now" behave differently... the former had a warmer side, his tamper was measured, the Brother Dusk "now" has an explosive impulsive nature... his face expressions sell the character like cold beer during hot summer...

[@williamozier918]

Wow, what a great interview. I've never even heard of this guy until I saw the show, but I love him now.

[@rini6]

Great series so far. It is obviously about our situation today and it’s fascinating. Love Lee Pace.

[@chrisoffersen]

I just finished Episode 8, and had to see who exactly is this amazing actor.

[@edw8889]

Lee is a really fine actor. The show is amazing

[@chrisdjernaes9658]

Fantastic Discussion! Lee Pace is fantastic and brings his A-game to every role. Amazing stuff. Fav Insight: “There’s no guaranty humanity will survive,” and it’s the struggle that defines us.

[@kenantahir]

Lee Pace is magnificent

[@catjulz]

Lee understands things on another level! We should all aspire to this way of seeing things. In the end we are all humans.

[@mrbeans2425]

I honestly really enjoyed this show! Hope we get a S2! Lee would be an amazing Thrawn! Just saying....

[@nataliazakondrayeva]

Lee Pace does an amazing job answering the questions that are not actually questions at all...))

[@brianmyers4444]

An actor to love since Pushing Daisies. Love Mr Pace

[@luga718]

Me too!

[@markplaw7052]

He has so much love and passion for The Foundation series, best actor for this role, by far:))

[@anacarolmsc]

I'm so glad you brought up Halt and Catch Fire, one of the best shows EVER and I do hope more people find out about it! And Lee is always incredible, the actor and the person

[@SLACKPLAN9]

As a fan of the books, the show is like a reboot of the whole story. That being said. i REALLY like what was done with the Galactic Empire and wht was done with the Imperial line. Of Course, As Brother Day, Lee Pace displayed really good acting, and being able to work of the actor that plays Brother Dusk

[@soyuz281]

He also played Ronan the Accuser in the Guardians Of Galaxy movie.

[@chrisp1355]

I loved Halt and Catch Fire! Great to see you Lee. I still have yet to watch Foundation.

[@natalijakuzmenkova9855]

Lee Pace is perfect for his role!

[@djofortunato5799]

He is so awesome in Foundation, as well as Halt & Catch Fire

[@kavorka8855]

I didn't know he's such a powerful, charismatic actor!

[@user-pj9ie4bs1z]

I really appreciate you lee pace you are the best part of this show so far.

[@lucapaolini2765]

Great interview, great show. Really liked Lee wish him all the best