Paradiseseason 1 star James Marsden coyly responds to his involvement in the second installment. The political thriller debuted in January 2025 and was an instant hit for Hulu. The show was well-received by critics and audiences, garnering an 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes with an 84% Popcorn meter.
Paradisestars Sterling K. Brown as Agent Xavier Collins, who is tasked with protecting President Cal Bradford (Marsden). Following a seemingly apocalyptic event, the President and select citizens are moved underground in a Colorado bunker. Much of the first installment focused on uncovering the mystery of who assassinated the President.Paradiseseason 2is currently in production and will release in early 2026.
In an interview withVanity Fair, Marsden does not confirm his involvement in season 2, but strongly suggests he will play a role. When questioned if he will be in season 2, he responds, “I’m not sure what I’m allowed to say. Even though my vague answer to your question is probably the answer to your question.“He clarifies that he does not want to give false hope that President Bradford is alive, but that something may have been figured out.
I’m not sure what I’m allowed to say. Even though my vague answer to your question is probably the answer to your question. It’s funny—when the show came out, I had a little deja vu. Because when I did this show Dead to Me, I meant to sign on for one season, play this kind of assh*le character, and then be done. The show came out, everyone loved it, and I thought, it’s too bad it’s over. And [creator Liz Feldman] was like, “maybe it doesn’t have to be. Maybe we will bring you back somehow.” And I was a twin.
And so when this show came out, and it was a huge success, I had the same kind of feeling. I told Dan, “Geez, I guess I’m really dead.” And he said, “yeah. Sadly, we can’t bring you back.” He said, “if you would’ve told me you were going to be this good, I would’ve figured something out at the end of the first season.” And then it became even bigger because of the seventh episode, and then I got a text from Dan going, “well, maybe you aren’t dead.” I don’t want to give false hope here that I’m somehow alive, but maybe we can figure something out.
What This Means For Paradise Season 2
Paradiseseason 1was filled with stellar actors. Brown delivered an emotional and memorable performance as Xavier Collins, but Marsden is also a standout. As the season begins, President Bradford is deeply unlikeable. The story is told with flashbacks, so he is always present in the episodes.
Xavier blames Bradford for the supposed death of his wife, and is not shy about expressing his feelings towards the President. The audience sees Bradford through his eyes as a spoiled, hard-drinking, unqualified baffoon. However, as more flashbacks occur, viewers come to understand Bradford, and he becomes one of the more layered characters in the show.
AsParadiseis planned as a three-season show, Bradford feels integral to the entire story. With Bradford presumably appearing in more flashbacks, audiences will hopefully get another chance to see James Marsden in one of his best roles.
Our Take On Marsden’s Comments
Marsden has had a career spanning decades, butParadiseis truly a standout for the actor. The season finale features a touching monologue that he is able to share with his son over a mixtape with government secrets, where he says, “I’ve always believed you are what you love. And you know what, I really love this sh*t. I do. Yeah. Yeah, you are the things you love. And if that’s the case, then I am you, my boy.”
By the end of the series, a mix of excellent writing, acting, and direction makes Bradford one of the most compelling characters. As Marsden will seemingly return for a large role, viewers have even more to look forward to inParadiseseason 2.
