In a recent press conference, the team behind Hulu's new series Paradise offered an intimate look into the show's origins and characters. Showrunner Dan Fogelman revealed the concept had been percolating for years, even predating his work on This Is Us. "I had the idea a long time ago," Fogelman explained. The genesis came from a pivotal moment when he was meeting with a powerful industry figure and realized, "When the shit hits the fan, we're all gonna be in the same position."

Sterling K. Brown, who plays Xavier, was drawn to the role as a departure from his previous characters. "I am always looking for something different," he noted. Brown was particularly intrigued by Xavier's emotional restraint, explaining that the character "keeps things a little bit closer to the vest" and is "probably closer to the way a lot of men deal with their emotions."

James Marsden's character, President Cal Bradford, represents a complex exploration of leadership and personal struggle. Marsden described Cal as someone "deeply shaped by his father's influence," who was essentially forced into a political career. "He was bred into the job," Marsden said, emphasizing that Cal "made a decision and an agreement with himself that he's gonna make the best of it and he’s going to try to do the right thing."

Julianne Nicholson was captivated by the depth of her character's journey. "I gasped multiple times in the first episode," she shared. She was particularly impressed by the show's approach to character development, noting that she'd "never seen a single episode of television that allows such an investigation into a person where they started, where they are now."

Fogelman was committed to creating a satisfying narrative experience, ensuring that viewers would receive answers throughout the season. "How can we start parsing out that information so by the end of this first season, you have a satisfying meal?" he explained, promising a series that would both intrigue and ultimately reveal its mysteries.

For more, watch the full interview below and watch the first three episodes of Paradise on Hulu, with new episodes streaming on Tuesdays.