The highly anticipated third season of Foundation is set to premiere on July 11, marking almost exactly two years since the beginning of season two. The prolonged wait has undoubtedly been agonizing for fans, but none more so than central character Gaal Dornick, who subjects herself to extended cryosleep in order to survive and ultimately face the Mule, the formidable villain who will be introduced in the upcoming episodes.

At a recent Foundation press day, io9 had the opportunity to converse with Lou Llobell, the actress portraying Gaal, about the unique experience of playing a character who has lived for an exceptionally long time. Season three commences 152 years after the events of season two, with Gaal having already been alive for over 100 years prior to that. Llobell remarked that Gaal’s prolonged periods in cryosleep have been essential in allowing her to survive for so long.

Llobell noted that when Gaal is in cryosleep, she is not consciously processing her surroundings, although the experience can be disorienting upon waking. This is not Gaal’s first instance of using cryosleep to extend her lifespan; in season one, she was forced into an escape pod that took her out of commission for several decades. Later, she utilized cryosleep again to travel across the galaxy, thereby adding over 100 years to her life. However, Llobell emphasized that Gaal’s decision to use cryosleep in season three is distinct from her previous experiences, as it is a deliberate choice rather than a circumstance imposed upon her.

Llobell explained that Gaal’s familiarity with cryosleep has made her more resigned to the process, although she still finds it tedious. Nevertheless, Llobell acknowledged that Gaal’s use of cryosleep has been crucial in allowing her to confront the Mule in the manner that she does. Llobell expressed gratitude for Gaal’s access to cryosleep, as it has enabled her to survive and ultimately fulfill her goals.

In season three, the Second Foundation, established in secret at the end of season two, undergoes a significant leadership transition. Gaal’s mentor, Hari Seldon, is elderly when the season commences and soon passes away, leaving Gaal to assume a leadership role. Llobell noted that Gaal’s experience among the psychic community on the planet has helped her develop her skills and feel more at ease.

Llobell stated that Gaal’s leadership style is characterized by her ability to listen to and be inclusive of her people, allowing them to be themselves while also having a clear plan in place. This approach has earned her the respect of her community, which is essential for her success as a leader. Llobell also mentioned that Gaal’s generosity is a key aspect of her leadership, making her a more effective and well-rounded leader.

Season three also provides Llobell with the opportunity to explore Gaal’s more complex and nuanced personality, particularly as she works to implement her plan. Llobell teased that viewers will see Gaal in a new light, showcasing her skills and willingness to take risks and make sacrifices when necessary. While Llobell refrained from characterizing this aspect of Gaal’s personality as her “dark side,” she acknowledged that it is a more multifaceted and mature representation of the character.

Llobell drew a connection between Gaal’s development and the lessons she learned from Hari Seldon, who often withheld his true intentions from her. Llobell believed that Gaal now has a deeper understanding of Hari’s motivations and decision-making processes, which has helped her grow as a character. This newfound understanding has also allowed Gaal to appreciate the value of Hari’s actions, even if she did not always agree with them at the time.

As the narrator of Foundation, Gaal’s voice is an integral part of the show, serving as a guiding force throughout the series. Llobell remarked that she has the privilege of viewing footage before it is fully edited, which provides her with a unique perspective on the story. Llobell described the voiceover process as somewhat spontaneous, with the extent of her involvement not being fully determined until she entered the recording booth.

In Llobell’s interpretation, the voiceover represents Gaal’s retrospective account of the events that have transpired, essentially recounting the history of how the characters arrived at their current point. This narrative device allows Gaal to reflect on her experiences and provide context for the audience.

The third season of Foundation is set to premiere on Apple TV+ on July 11.

For more io9 news, be sure to check out the latest release dates for upcoming Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, as well as what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.