Dan Fogelman Thriller: Plot & Secrets
- A conversation with a wealthy businessman sparked the idea for Dan Fogelman's series, "Paradise." Fogelman wondered how many people were at the businessman's beck and call,...
- government, focusing on those who are employed to protect the president.
- Marsden described his character as someone who tries to make the best of his situation and do the right thing.
Explore the post-apocalyptic world of “Paradise,” a new Hulu series from Dan Fogelman, following Sterling K. Brown as he fights for survival after a global disaster. Learn about the show’s themes, characters, and the inspiration behind it.
‘Paradise’ explores post-apocalyptic themes
A conversation with a wealthy businessman sparked the idea for Dan
Fogelman’s series, “Paradise.” Fogelman wondered how many people were at
the businessman’s beck and call, and what would happen if disaster struck.
Would they remain loyal, or prioritize their own survival?
Fogelman applied this concept to the U.S. government, focusing on those
who are employed to protect the president. the post-apocalyptic thriller
follows Secret Service agent Xavier Collins,played by Sterling K. Brown,
as he leads a revolt to uncover the truth behind the death of President
Cal Bradford, portrayed by James Marsden.
Marsden described his character as someone who tries to make the best of
his situation and do the right thing. He added that the role allowed him
to inject humor into the or else serious story.
The show’s inciting incident is a supervolcano eruption that triggers a
series of global catastrophes,including a massive tsunami and a powerful
earthquake.These events lead to the collapse of several countries and the
relocation of 25,000 Americans to an underground bunker city.
Fogelman and his writing team consulted with experts in psychology,
sociology, archeology, and architecture to develop a plausible doomsday
scenario.
fogelman wanted a disaster that could address climate change while still
being somewhat far-fetched.
DISNEY/BRIAN ROEDEL
Julianne nicholson’s character, Sinatra, was the mastermind behind the
creation of the underground city and continues to wield power in the new
world. Fogelman went to great lengths to secure Nicholson for the role,
even misleading a television studio about production delays.
Nicholson was promptly drawn to the scripts, particularly the second
episode, which delves into Sinatra’s past as a tech billionaire and the
loss of her son. She said the episode beautifully explored significant
moments in Sinatra’s life.
Marsden.
DISNEY/BRIAN ROEDEL
Despite claiming not to be a monster, Sinatra serves as the primary
antagonist in the first season. Nicholson’s portrayal of the chilling
authority figure has made her a character that viewers love to hate.
Brown expressed his admiration for Nicholson’s acting abilities, noting
her talent for making audiences dislike her character.
Brown, known for his role as Randall Pearson in “This Is Us,” is adept at
garnering audience support for his characters. In “Paradise,” viewers
root for Collins as he desperately tries to get his wife and children into
the bunker. The season one finale sees Collins leaving the bunker to search
for his wife, setting the stage for the second season.
DISNEY/SER BAFFO
DISNEY/BRIAN ROEDEL
What’s next
The second season of “Paradise” will likely focus on Collins’ search for
his wife and the power struggle between Sinatra and Jane.