Hulu’s new sci-fi thriller Paradise has left audiences and its cast members reeling from its unexpected twists, especially the shocking revelation at the end of the first episode that completely alters the story’s direction. Created by Dan Fogelman, the series has garnered praise for its clever writing and intricate plot, with stars Jon Beavers, Nicole Brydon Bloom, and Krys Marshall sharing their reactions to the premiere and their approaches to their complex roles.
The first episode concludes with a jaw-dropping reveal about the true location and origins of the city at the center of the story. Jon Beavers, who plays Billy, described his reaction to the twist: “I had the rug pulled out from underneath me. There are more rugs than you thought you were standing on.” Krys Marshall, who portrays Robinson, echoed this sentiment, saying, “When I finished Episode 1, I didn’t want to click forward; I wanted to click back because I was like, ‘Wait, what just happened?’” She also praised the storytelling, noting that viewers might want to rewatch the episode to catch all the subtle details they might have missed the first time.
Nicole Brydon Bloom, who plays Jane, shared her excitement for the thriller genre, revealing that she tried to predict the twist as she read the script. She was thoroughly impressed by the surprise, adding, “When I got to the end, I was like, ‘Oh yes, it’s good. I really enjoyed it.’” She also mentioned that Episode 7 had a particularly emotional impact on her, saying, “I think I read it three times, and I cried each time.”
Krys Marshall, who is known for her role in For All Mankind, reflected on the similarities between that show and Paradise, emphasizing that despite the different settings—whether it’s Mars, the moon, or a mysterious city—both stories are ultimately about people. She explained that each character brings their own set of personal struggles, emotions, and conflicts, which is what makes great storytelling resonate universally.
The actors also discussed the depth of their characters. Beavers noted that Billy has a complex past, and as the series unfolds, viewers may see him as both a dangerous figure and a loyal, loving person depending on the circumstances. Marshall highlighted the positive atmosphere on set, which was fostered by Fogelman and co-star Sterling K. Brown. She appreciated the collaborative and supportive environment they created, describing it as a “lovely family” that made working on the show an enjoyable experience.
Paradise continues to captivate with its well-crafted narrative and compelling characters, leaving both the cast and viewers eagerly anticipating what’s to come.