Interviews

Foundation Star Leah Harvey Discusses Salvor Hardin’s Family Reunion in Season 2

August 24, 2023

3 mins read

Foundation Star Leah Harvey On Salvor Hardin’s Family Reunion In Season 2

Foundation season 2 premieres on July 14, set directly after last season’s 130-year time jump. Two years have eclipsed in the real world, however, and viewers have been eagerly awaiting the continuation of Apple TV+’s sci-fi show. Inspired by the novels of mastermind Isaac Asimov, Foundation follows a group of Galactic Empire exiles who prepare to wage war on the Genetic Dynasty that has ruled for the last several centuries.

Once a leader of the Foundation outpost, Salvor Hardin (played by talented actor Leah Harvey) finds herself stranded a hundred years ahead of her own timeline on the abandoned planet of her biological mother Gaal Dornick (Lou Llobell). The two finally came face-to-face in the finale of Foundation season 1, and they will be joined by a version of Psychohistory expert Hari Seldon in season 2. Together, the trio will do their part to bring about the Empire’s fall.

FilmmakerFocus spoke to Harvey about how Salvor is handling the unexpected meeting with Gaal in Foundation season 2, what Jared Harris is like on set, and which filming location is a favorite.

Leah Harvey Talks Foundation Season 2

FilmmakerFocus: Salvor is such a fascinating character. I love that you’re getting to act opposite your bio-mom this season. I imagine it’s a very strange and new experience, both for the character and you. What is it like acting opposite another DNA sharer?

Leah Harvey: DNA sharer? I love that; acting opposite a DNA sharer. No, it’s been really lovely, and it’s great because we didn’t know each other before this, so it’s been a really nice way to get to know each other and work together. And I think it’s really interesting because we have a lot of similarities in our physicality and our energy, so it’s been really fun to explore that and play off of each other. It’s definitely added a layer of depth to the scenes and the relationship between Salvor and Gaal.

‘The first season didn’t give us much opportunity to see how Gaal and Salvor’s relationship would develop. But in this season, we really get to dive into their connection, both as characters and as people. As actors, it’s been a wonderful experience to explore their dynamic even further. It’s been absolutely fantastic.’

As Salvor finds herself reconnecting with her past, she realizes that she is completely isolated from everyone she once knew. It’s a difficult situation to be in, but luckily, she finds solace in her shared experiences with Gaal. They are able to support each other and find comfort in their shared loneliness. It’s a beautiful thing to witness their vulnerability and the bond they form.

Leah Harvey: Losing everything you know and being so far away from it is definitely a major challenge. But the great thing is that Gaal and Salvor can lean on each other for support. They understand what it’s like to be in that position, and it brings them closer together. It’s a special bond that allows them to share their experiences and find comfort in each other.

In this season, you also have more scenes with Hari. What was it like working with Jared Harris and exploring this new version of his character after 100 years of isolation?

Leah Harvey: It’s fascinating to see the different sides of Hari in season 1, and Salvor is determined to uncover the truth behind his transformation.

Working with Jared has been incredible. He’s an amazing actor, and we had a lot of fun on set. We teased each other and shared many laughs. There were definitely some memorable outtakes!

Hari Seldon's projection in Foundation's Vault

Prepare to embark on a thrilling journey through the wonders of the Galactic Empire. Which location from this season’s episodes has captured your imagination? Or perhaps there’s a place you’re hoping to see Salvor explore in the future?

Leah Harvey: During our filming in Prague, we encountered breathtaking sets adorned with massive rocks. It felt like stepping onto an entirely different planet. Experiencing such beauty and having the opportunity to work there is truly incredible. Prague is a stunning city, and I’m grateful for the chance to explore it.

Psychohistory may seem complex, much like Mr. Asimov’s work, which can be challenging for some to comprehend. How would you describe Psychohistory, and how does Salvor perceive it?

Leah Harvey: Psychohistory is the study of humans, using an algorithm to predict their future actions based on their past behavior. That’s how I would describe it.

Salvor may not fully grasp it like Gaal does, but she understands its significance. She grew up learning about Psychohistory, much like how we learn math in school. She knows what it is, but she doesn’t speak its language, so to speak.

About Foundation Season 2

Violet Granger

Violet, a film enthusiast from New Orleans, draws inspiration from the city's vibrant and eclectic arts scene. Having studied English and Film at Tulane University, her articles often delve into the connections between literature and film, analyzing adaptations and the impact of storytelling techniques.