Season 3 of Foundation has been a blast, in part due to the introduction of one of the story’s most entertaining characters. Often cited as a major influence on George Lucas while making Han Solo, Han Pritcher has proven to be a charming and exciting addition to the Apple TV+ adaptation of Issac Asimov’s sci-fi classic.
That’s largely thanks to Brandon P. Bell, who finds the cool, charm, and vulnerability of the character through his performance. During an interview with TVBrittanyF, Brandon P. Bell discussed his excitement at joining the cast of Foundation, the challenges of finding out too much about the source material while filming, and what makes the Apple TV+ sci-fi epic so special compared to other massive undertakings.
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TVBrittanyF: Jumping into any show can be tricky, especially something as deep as Foundation. What was your approach to adjusting and acclimating to this world?
Brandon P. Bell: From the beginning, I’ve loved sci-fi. But [before Foundation], I hadn’t yet traversed into the world of Asimov. I just remember seeing this gorgeous trailer for season one on Apple TV, but it was just in my queue. I hadn’t seen it yet, and so when the opportunity came around, I jumped in headfirst. I mean, the pilot of Foundation is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen. It’s gorgeous on so many levels. It’s peak sci-fi.
For me, once I got the role… I wanted to kind of immerse myself in the writing as it was. A lot of the OG cast were like, ‘It’s vastly different than the books. However, we do stay true to the spirit.’ I was so excited, because I really do feel strongly that [David S. Giyer] and company stayed very true to the spirit of what Asimov was trying to say, but brought in some contemporary elements and unique aspects, like the Cleon dynasty.
They really just make this thing accessible, entertaining, and such a joy and privilege for fans of Asimov’s work and sci-fi in general. [The writers] did a hell of a job. This was not easy to bring to life, and we’ve added so many elements that enhance the story.
This is the first time we’ve seen you do sci-fi since Ascension. What was it like to return to this genre, especially as such a fan of it yourself?
Oh yeah, to be back in that sandbox… I was stranded on a planet at the end of Ascension, so there was always this hunger to figure out what happens next in terms of me personally in that world. This couldn’t have happened at a better time. It couldn’t have come with a better character. As a sci-fi nerd, I couldn’t be happier. I think [Han Pritcher] is such a fully realized character. He’s one character that’s large within the Asimov trilogy, who does carry weight.
Once it’s all said and done, people will be very pleased. It’s just beyond exciting, even though I kind of found out after the fact. Yeah, I’d heard of Asimov. And once my eyes were open to this world, it was like, oh my god, this is amazing. I feel so privileged to be a part of the show that everyone’s built.
So walk me through just what it’s like for you, as an actor, to not only have to keep up with all the continuity and everything that’s going on in this big world, but while doing a lot of emotional heavy lifting. How do you approach something like Han and Foundation as a whole?
In this show, the filming process is so epic. You know, shooting overs in multiple countries, with actors from all over the world, with a schedule that is block shooting. Obviously, you know, it’s not a secret that most film and TV doesn’t shoot in sequence, and so it can be challenging. But with such a great cast and a group of directors, everything was very easy to jump into. I think [Lou Llobell] and I have such great chemistry. She’s such a wonderful leader, taking on the leadership role in this show.
Lou and the other cast members make you feel right at home. It made it really easy. I mean, we shoot on location, with a lot of sets that, in and of themselves, are fantastic. They’re the best I’ve ever seen. This is, by far, probably the largest budget and the most intense, epic production I’ve ever been a part of. So all of these elements lend themselves to the writing and the circumstances. You just need to be present and lock in.
Han Pritcher is such a fascinating and fully realized character. Just as an actor, you want meat on the bones. This is exactly what I wanted. I could not have asked for anything more. It was an awesome opportunity and privilege to kind of play Pritcher, someone who is a soldier, head of intelligence, but also just romantic. Jumping into that was just a lot of fun. It’s a challenge, but easy to access with the cast and the crew and the writing.
Do you have a favorite episode or a favorite scene for you where you thought about just how well it really came out?
I’m so impressed, I could show you my phone, but I won’t. I’ve texted just about everyone, definitely all of the main cast, but also some of the supporting cast. Ibraheem Toure, who plays Mavon, I texted them. I’m so impressed with everyone. Although I wasn’t there [for some of the scenes] and I only got to read it, I knew it was intense and epic.
Seeing it brought to life is just, it’s awesome. It’s such a privilege. I’m rooting for everyone. Everyone brought their A game. It’s been a delight to see, but I also have a relationship where I can text someone like Terrence Mann. I was like, ‘Dude, you are amazing, you’re cheeky, you’re dark!’ Everyone feels the same about the season. Everyone’s really excited.
As someone who has come to love watching the show on top of just being in it, what’s one element you wish you could see more of?
See, I made the mistake of doing a little bit of research because of the gap between seasons, to read up on all the new characters. And now, because I know where in canon my character’s arc ends, my problem is I can’t get that out of my head. I feel for this dude so much, and I’m so happy about this… There are so many other things we could do with this guy if that doesn’t happen.
You know what’s funny? When I was reading, I remember reading exactly where we are now in the show, and I was nervous, because I was like, ‘no, no, no! Maybe things will change. Maybe this will turn out differently. Maybe Goyer and company will remix it in the way that they have for certain story lines to make sense today!’ I can’t help it, I love Pritcher so much.
Foundation is now streaming on Apple TV+
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