Hulu's must-watch TV series Paradise is a mind-bending political thriller—and it also happens to be a This Is Us reunion. Created by Dan Fogelman and executive-produced by Sterling K. Brown, the dystopian series stars the three-time Emmy winner as Xavier Collins, a Secret Service agent whose world is thrown into chaos when he finds President Cal Bradford (James Marsden) dead one morning. Xavier's investigation into Cal's death powers the twist-and-turn-filled series.
To fill out the show's world of political intrigue, Hulu has recruited a cast of beloved television stars, from a longtime heartthrob to a familiar face for Netflix fans. With season 2 premiering on February 23, here's what to know about the cast of Paradise.
Sterling K. Brown as Agent Xavier Collins
Agent Xavier Collins is the head of security for President Cal Bradford and a devoted father to his children, Presley (Aliyah Mastin) and James (Percy Daggs IV). Xavier and Cal have a complicated relationship, which puts a spotlight on the agent when he finds the president dead one morning.
Sterling K. Brown, 49, is an award-winning actor best known for starring in shows like American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson, This Is Us, and Washington Black, as well as the films Black Panther, Waves, and Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. In 2024, he received an Oscar nomination for his role in the satirical comedy American Fiction. He also hosts the podcast "We Don't Always Agree" with his wife, Ryan Michelle Bathe.
Instagram: @sterlingkbrown
James Marsden as President Cal Bradford
President Cal Bradford is a charming politician who led the nation through a troubling time while hiding his estranged relationship with his wife and son. At the start of Paradise, he's mysteriously found dead, leaving Xavier to investigate the murder.
James Marsden, 52, is best known for starring in films the X-Men franchise, movie musicals like Hairspray and Enchanted, The Notebook, 27 Dresses, The Butler, and the Sonic the Hedgehog movies. On the TV side, he appeared in HBO's Westworld, Netflix's Dead to Me, and Prime Video's Jury Duty.
Instagram: @james_marsden
Julianne Nicholson as Samantha Redmond (a.k.a Sinatra)
Samantha Redmond is a tech billionaire closely intertwined with Cal and the government. Ever since tragedy struck her family, she has been dedicated to her work. Though she's committed to saving humanity, it's often unclear whether her decisions are for the good of the people or herself.
Julianne Nicholson, 54, is an Emmy-winning stage and screen actress best known for appearing in shows such as Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Boardwalk Empire, Masters of Sex, Mare of Easttown, and Hacks. She also starred in the movies Tully, August: Osage County; I, Tonya, and Janet Planet.
Instagram: @juliannenicholsonofficial
Sarah Shahi as Dr. Gabriela Torabi
Dr. Gabriela Torabi is a therapist and close advisor to Sinatra, who has also become involved in the government.
Sarah Shahi, 46, was a former pageant queen and Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader before the late director Robert Altman convinced her to try acting. She's best known for starring in the Netflix series Sex/Life, as well as her supporting roles on The L Word, Life, Fairly Legal, and City on a Hill. She also recently appeared in the movies Black Adam and Red, White, and Royal Blue.
Instagram: @sarahshahi
Jon Beavers as Billy Page
Billy Page is Xavier's most trusted subordinate and friend, who helps ensure the president's safety and well-being.
Jon Beavers, 42, began his acting career playing Twist on Nickelodeon's The Fresh Beat Band. Recently, he has appeared in the movies Licorice Pizza and Horizon: An American Saga - Chapters 1 & 2. He has also had supporting roles on the shows The Long Road Home, Animal Kingdom, Bel-Air, and Sugar.
Instagram: @jonnybeavs
Nicole Brydon Bloom as Jane Driscoll
Jane, another of Xavier's subordinates with a mysterious past, is played by Nicole Brydon Bloom, 31. The rising star made her acting debut in an episode of Showtime's The Affair, and she has since appeared on HBO's The Gilded Age and Hulu's We Were the Lucky Ones. In March 2025, she married fellow actor Justin Theroux; the pair is now expecting their first child.
Instagram: @n.brydonbloom
Krys Marshall as Agent Nicole Robinson
Xavier's boss is Agent Nicole Robinson, who has a special relationship with Cal. She's played by Krys Marshall, 36, who has appeared on dozens of shows, including One Day at a Time, This Is Us, Supergirl, Shameless, and Bad Monkey. She's best known for playing Danielle Poole on For All Mankind.
Instagram: @krysmarshall
Enuka Okuma as Dr. Teri Rogers-Collins
At the start of Paradise, Xavier believes his beloved wife Teri is dead. After receiving proof that she's alive in the season 1 finale, he's set to spend season 2 searching for her.
Enuka Okuma, 49, is a prolific film and TV actress who's best known for her roles in Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye, Rookie Blue, Impulse, and Workin' Moms. The Pitt fans may also recognize her from her appearance as Natalie Malone, the surrogate who gives birth in season 1, episode 11, "5:00 P.M."
Instagram: @enukaokumaofficial
Shailene Woodley
Big Little Lies alum Shailene Woodley, 34, joins Paradise season 2 in an undisclosed guest-star role. The Emmy nominee rose to fame starring on ABC Family's 2000s hit The Secret Life of the American Teenager, before appearing in major movies including The Descendants, The Fault in Our Stars, and the Divergent series. In 2024, she both starred in the Starz drama Three Women and made her Broadway debut in the revival of Cult of Love.
Instagram: @shailenewoodley
Thomas Doherty as Link
Thomas Doherty also joins Paradise season 2 as a biker gang leader named Link. The 30-year-old Scottish actor began his career starring in Disney Channel projects like The Lodge and Descendants 2, before rising to fame as Max Wolfe on the Gossip Girl reboot. Most recently, he played Leo in the hit Hulu series Tell Me Lies and made his Off-Broadway debut as Seymour in the musical Little Shop of Horrors.
Instagram: @thomasadoherty
