Introducing August Starring Lou Llobell

Lou was photographed in London by Pip; styling by Georgia Medley; makeup by Kenneth Soh; hair by Kieron Lavine; interview by Alison Engstrom.

Take me back to when you initially auditioned for the role of Gaal in Foundation on Apple TV+. Knowing the casting team met with hundreds of actors worldwide, did you have a good feeling after you auditioned that you’d get the part?

Throughout the auditioning process I had no expectations. I was just enjoying getting to the next phase and trying not to over think it. I was definitely nervous the entire time. Our final audition week in Ireland was tough but one of the most rewarding experiences ever. The other women auditioning for Gaal were absolutely incredible and we really supported each other throughout.

I also remember after every workshop or conversation with David S. Goyer I would go to my hotel room and write it all down on the back of my sides. I didn’t want to forget the experience no matter what the outcome was. I’m pretty sure I still have them filed away at home!

From researching—you can really go down a rabbit hole with the fandom (websites, social, etc!)—but people love your character. What about her do you appreciate the most?

Gaal is incredibly relatable. You see the world through her eyes because she’s the one taking you through this story. She’s also super smart, caring, and naïve all at once, which is incredibly endearing. She just wants to help, and truly wants to save humanity in what she believes to be the best, and fairest way.

How did you go about crafting her and getting into her headspace, since I realize in the book series the character is a man.

She’s beautifully written in the scripts, the tone in which she speaks, and how she manages the situations she’s in. David and the writers really do a fantastic job, so understanding her intentions isn’t ever too difficult. I also believe that we’re so different but there’s a part of me in her and her in me. It makes finding who she is and discovering more of her with each season much more satisfying. It’s a journey I’m still on with Gaal and it’s such a joy.

What can you say about season two? What are you the most excited for viewers to see?

This season truly is more epic than the first, which is wild to say. The new characters are exciting, there’s more humor, the stories are more interlinked, and everything converges at once. There’s a lot of action and tension and I just can’t wait for people to see it.

Do you think there is a broader message for people to take home?

This season is very much a battle for power and control. Watching it I ask myself, what lengths will people go to to get it and is it worth the sacrifices you have to make?

Since the series has come out, have you had any mega pinch-me moments where you are left in awe?

Yes, all the time! Seeing billboards of us on Sunset Boulevard, watching a London bus wrapped in a Foundation poster drive by, and just having conversations with people who’ve heard about the show or watched it and enjoyed it. Getting to wear all these amazing brands for shoots and events is also still so surreal to me. I love fashion so it’s a dream come true.

Your career has catapulted in such a beautiful way with this role, so I am sure as with anything new, there can be growing pains, unknown territories, finding your way, etc. How have you navigated the moments that have been more challenging or just new situations that can be daunting?

I’m always learning and I know I will continue to learn throughout my career. The thing I’ve learned most recently is to not have expectations and be open to change. I’d never done a second season of anything before and I thought it’d be the same as the first, both personally and professionally, and it wasn’t. Both in great ways and not so great ways, but ultimately I’ve grown so much and the journey is turning out to be challenging but wonderful.

I’d love to know what led you to lead a creative life?

I’ve always been creative. I’ve always wanted to act and I never thought I’d be a able to do anything else. So here I am, just pursuing what I love and hoping it works out!

I know it will! You have lived in quite a few places including South Africa, Spain, and now England. Has that had any influence on where you are today?

For sure, I think it’s given me the ability to be adaptable to different places, people, and situations. It’s something I value a lot about myself and I’m grateful to have been able to live in and travel to all sorts of different places.

Outside of acting, what fuels your creativity?

I love being around people. I enjoy sharing a meal or a drink with my friends and family or even strangers. I enjoy observing people and exploring different places.

Do you have a motto that you live your life by?

I don’t really, but I like to try and make sure all the decisions I make, make me happy. And that I look after the people in my life who are close to me, with generosity and honesty.

Do you have a compass of what roles, opportunities, and stories you would like to tell down the road?

I want to try it all, I love stories that make you question things and that inspire, or that you relate to when you watch or read them. I haven’t done very many different things yes, so I want to try it all and see what I like.

A Special Note: SAG-AFTRA members are currently on strike; as part of the strike, union actors are not promoting their film and TV projects. This interview and shoot was conducted prior to the strike.

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Stream ‘foundation’ on apple tv+

A special thank you to this team and Shelter PR