Fear The Walking Dead Writer Eyed To Replace Departed Showrunners

A Foundation season 4 update reveals that a Fear the Walking Dead writer is being eyed to replace the departed showrunners. Based on books by Isaac Asimov, Apple TV’s expansive sci-fi series follows the centuries-spanning saga of the eponymous organization established by a psychohistorian to preserve civilization after the fall of the Galactic Empire. Foundation‘s cast includes Jared Harris, Lee Pace, Lou Llobell, Leah Harvey, Laura Birn, Cassian Bilton, Terrence Mann, Isabella Laughland, Kulvinder Ghir, Ella-Rae Smith, Holt McCallany, Rachel House, Nimrat Kaur, Ben Daniels, and Dimitri Leonidas.

Now, ahead of season 3’s release, Foundation has tapped Fear the Walking Dead writer Ian Goldberg as the new showrunner for season 4 with the writers’ room now up and running, according to Deadline. Goldberg will replace the previously departed showrunners David S. Goyer and Josh Friedman, and will also act as an executive producer under his overall deal with Skydance TV.

What Foundation Season 4’s Update Means For The Show

Season 3 Experienced Some Issues

Foundation was created by David S. Goyer and Josh Friedman for Apple TV+, loosely based on the books by Isaac Asimov, with the two also serving as showrunners, writers, and executive producers. However, years before the show premiered, Friedman departed the show due to undisclosed reasons, though sources say the decision was amicable. In turn, for the first two seasons, Goyer served as the sole showrunner who oversaw the writers’ room.

Foundation Season 2’s Ending Explained

Foundation season 2’s finale takes the conflict between Empire and Seldon’s followers to a new level, and it sets up major events for season 3.

However, following a turbulent third season marked by production halts and budget revisions, Goyer also departed the series. Foundation season 3 initially suspended filming in spring 2023 after several weeks due to the WGA strike and faced further delays due to financial and logistical challenges. Production finally resumed in March 2024 after budget reductions, with Goyer stepping away from directing additional episodes, though he did complete his remaining writing and directing commitments.

Our Take On Ian Goldberg As Foundation’s New Showrunner

The Sci-Fi Show Seems To Be Back On Track

Custom Foundation image of Jared Harris as Hari Seldon, Lee Pace as Brother Day, and Trantor — Custom Image by Daniel Bibby

Following a troubled third season which experienced production delays and budget revisions, Foundation appears to be back on track. While the finished third season does not yet have an official release date, it is expected to premiere later this year. Meanwhile, Foundation is already gearing up for its fourth season, with Goldberg being tapped as the new showrunner to replace Goyer.

Goldberg has a history with both Goyer and Friedman. He co-created Syfy’s Krypton alongside Goyer and was a writer on Fox’s Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, created by Friedman. Goldberg was also a writer on ABC’s FlashForward, created by Goyer. Given his past collaborations with Goyer and Friedman, as well as his experience as a showrunner on Fear the Walking Dead, Goldberg brings both a deep understanding of sci-fi storytelling and proven leadership skills, making him a strong choice to guide Foundation into its next chapter.

Source: Deadline