Foundation season 3 faces more turmoil as showrunner steps back from hit Apple TV Plus show

Salvor, Hari, and Gaal stare out of a spaceship's cockpit into space in Foundation season 2
Foundation season 3's troubles aren't fully resolved, according to a new report. (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

Foundation season 3 has been dealt another blow after David S. Goyer reportedly stepped back from showrunning duties.

According to The Hollywood Reporter (THR), Goyer – Foundation's co-creator, who also serves as head writer, director, and executive producer – is no longer overseeing the hit Apple TV Plus sci-fi show's development. Goyer is believed to have clashed with executives at Skydance, Foundation's production company, over budget issues, which led to the decision.

THR's sources say Goyer will retain the title of showrunner behind the scenes and continues to be creatively involved, but has handed overall responsibility to the series' wider creative team. To that end, Goyer's fellow executive producer Bill Bost is set to move to Prague – Foundation's primary filming location – to oversee the rest of season 3's shooting schedule.

TechRadar has reached out to Apple for an official comment on THR's report, and we'll update this article if we hear back.

Charting a new, bumpier course for the stars

Hari Seldon consoles Gaal Dornick in Foundation season 2 episode 10

Foundation's third season has been beset with production issues. (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

Foundation season 3 has faced numerous setbacks since it was officially announced in December 2023. Initially, production on the sci-fi epic's third outing was believed to have begun in early 2023 – indeed, before season 2's launch, Foundation season 3 was reportedly greenlit, but its cast and crew couldn't talk about it when asked directly by TechRadar. 

If work had begun earlier than anticipated, it would have been halted by the Hollywood writers and actors strikes, which ran from June to November 2023. However, the end of that industrial action only marked the beginning of season 3's issues. In early February, we reported that Foundation season 3 faced an agonizing filming delay due to numerous production problems. Less than two weeks later, it seemed those setbacks were resolved, with Foundation season 3 no longer in limbo amid a rumored filming restart date.

That news, though, appears to have been a false dawn. With Goyer and Skydance supposedly at odds over the show's production costs, coupled with many other behind-the-scenes problems, one of the best Apple TV Plus shows is certainly facing the most testing period in its history. With each passing day, it becomes increasingly clear that Foundation's third season won't be making its debut on one of the world's best streaming services before 2024 is over.

That's a shame, too. In our review of Foundation season 2, we said it "rights every wrong from show’s first season in cosmically dazzling fashion". I would have expected Apple to build on last season's success by delivering an even better third installment but, given its current troubles and creative overhaul, season 3 might not be the stellar follow-up we're all hoping for. I hope I'm wrong. 

In the meantime, read our Foundation season 2 ending explained article to find out what it sets up ahead of its successor's arrival.

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Senior Entertainment Reporter

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 this Moon 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.

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