Sterling K. Brown Trades Family Dramas for Political Thrills in ‘Paradise’
Table of Contents
- 1. Sterling K. Brown Trades Family Dramas for Political Thrills in ‘Paradise’
- 2. Sterling K. Brown lands Leading Role in ‘paradise,’ a New Series from Creator of ‘This Is Us’
- 3. Sterling K. Brown: From Family Man to Troubled Soul in ‘Paradise’
- 4. From ‘Paradise’ to Franchise Fare: Mike Vogel on Balancing Big Projects with Family Values
- 5. Disney’s “Paradise” Premieres on ABC – A Bold Move for a Mystery Drama
- 6. Sterling K. Brown: Balancing Action, Comedy, and a Candid Look at his Career
- 7. Could Directing Be Next for Sterling Brown?
- 8. The Power of Portrayal: Sterling K. Brown and “The People v. O.J.Simpson”
- 9. How did Sterling K. Brown’s portrayal of Christopher Darden in “Teh People v. O.J. Simpson” contribute to sparking conversations about race relations in America?
- 10. Sterling K. Brown on Bringing Christopher Darden to Life in “The People v. O.J. Simpson”
- 11. On Stepping into Christopher Darden’s Shoes
- 12. Navigating the Racial Dynamics of the Trial
- 13. The Power of Subtlety in Portraying Darden’s Complexities
- 14. The Legacy of “The People v. O.J. Simpson”
- 15. Looking Ahead
Two days before Thanksgiving, Sterling K. Brown is in a Culver City photo studio, enjoying a takeout lunch and discussing his new Hulu drama, “Paradise.” The actor, best known for his heart-wrenching role as Randall Pearson in “This Is Us,” is clearly excited about this new project, and for good reason.While “This Is Us” was a tearjerker, “Paradise” explores a different emotional landscape altogether. This is a contemporary political thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its intricate plot twists and suspenseful storyline.
“‘This Is Us’ offered a bit of catharsis. Usually, at the end of every episode, you got a chance to lay a burden down. This one, the burdens just keep piling up,” brown explains, emphasizing the heightened sense of suspense and intrigue. “It’s more intrigue and anticipation.”
Brown, excited about delving into the details, talks with animated energy, knocking rhythmically on the table as he walks me through the complex storyline of “Paradise.” He can’t reveal too much before its January 28 premiere, but his passion for the project and his co-stars, particularly Julianne Nicholson, who plays a captivating “mother-figure,” is palpable.
“Paradise” promises to be a thrilling departure from Brown’s previous work. It’s a show that will keep audiences guessing until the very end, and it showcases the versatility of this talented actor who can move seamlessly between heart-wrenching drama and edge-of-your-seat suspense.
Sterling K. Brown lands Leading Role in ‘paradise,’ a New Series from Creator of ‘This Is Us’
Sterling K. Brown, known for his captivating performances in shows like “This Is us” and “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” is taking center stage in a new series titled “Paradise.” Produced by Disney’s 20th Television, the show marks a significant milestone for brown, who steps into the lead role for the first time and also serves as an executive producer.
Brown’s excitement for the project is palpable. He can’t contain his enthusiasm, describing details and music choices with infectious energy. ”It almost feels very much like ‘Bridgerton,’ which I was watching over the pandemic,” he shares, drawing parallels to the popular Netflix series’ use of a classical twist on contemporary pop hits like Madonna’s “Material Girl” and Pink’s “what About Us.”
“It’s like we’ve taken these songs that are very familiar and we’ve updated them in the covers,” Brown explains,referencing Jordan Peele’s use of a reimagined “I Got 5 on it” in his film “Us.” “And as soon as you heard it in the trailer, every Black person was like, ‘Oh, shit! ‘I Got 5 on It’!’ We’re hoping for a certain demographic, they’ll hear the songs and be like, ‘Oh, shit.'”
The collaboration between brown and Dan Fogelman, the mastermind behind “This Is us,” arose organically. Before “This Is Us” concluded in May 2022, Fogelman approached Brown with an idea for a new show, but it wasn’t “paradise.” Brown,eager to explore film at the time,set his sights on the big screen. His success in the 2023 film “American Fiction” alongside Jeffrey Wright, even earning him an Oscar nomination, solidified that path. Though, destiny had other plans. After “American Fiction,” Fogelman came back with a project tailored for Brown.
“He goes, ‘I wrote this show, and as I’m writing it, I realized I was kind of writing it for you,'” Brown recalls. “He said, ‘If you’re not interested, all good, I understand — but if you are, then we can talk about it.’ So I was like, ‘Bro, you’ve written six years of dope-ass shit — let me take a gander.’ I read it, and I called and said, ‘I’m in.’ He heard me say, ‘amen,’ because I’m Black, and he figured I was just saying something from church, and then he’s like, ‘What does “amen” mean? is it good? Is it bad?’ ‘No, dummy. I’m. In.’”
Sterling K.Brown dives into a world of intrigue and suspense in his new film,”Paradise.” The captivating thriller follows Xavier Collins, a Secret Service agent and devoted single father, who finds his idyllic life shattered by a shocking event the assassination of former U.S. President Cal Bradford, portrayed by james Marsden. As suspicion falls on Xavier, he finds himself caught in a complex web of secrets and lies, closely scrutinized by a mysterious character known only as Sinatra, played by the legendary Jack Nicholson.
“‘Paradise’ explores this intense storyline, but it’s also about how people navigate crises and find a way forward when life is turned upside down,” Brown explains.“It’s about coping with loss and adjusting to a new normal. Xavier had a intricate relationship with the president, both as his employer and a friend. While their bond might have been strained at the time of the president’s death, there was definitely a friendship in their past. ”
Brian bowen Smith for Variety
This role marks a significant departure for Brown from his previous acclaimed performance as Randall Pearson on the beloved series “This Is Us.” The character earned Brown five consecutive Emmy nominations and a well-deserved win between 2017 and 2021.
Sterling K. Brown: From Family Man to Troubled Soul in ‘Paradise’
sterling K. Brown is known for playing the dependable and loving Randall Pearson on the beloved NBC drama “This Is Us.” But in his latest role as Xavier in Paramount+’s “Paradise,” Brown sheds that familiar warmth, diving deep into the complexities of a troubled and angry character.
“Where Randall was sadder, I think Xavier is angrier, and anger is the emotion that I think that people latch on to in order to not feel sad,” Brown explains. “It’s just a whole different side of him, this kind of muscular acting, quiet acting,” showrunner Dan fogelman marvels, reflecting on brown’s performance in the show’s pilot episode. “Sterling doesn’t talk that much in this pilot until very end of it, and in ‘This Is Us,’ he never shut up.It’s just a very different role.”
It was Brown’s intense performance in the 2019 indie film “Waves” that initially caught fogelman’s attention.”I thought it was one of the best films that year and should have gotten Oscar nominations,” Fogelman says. “And he was a very dark character, a much darker character than he was in ‘This Is Us.’ He’s just got such range that I think he sits nicely in the middle here in ‘Paradise.’”
Brown’s journey to this point has been marked by steady dedication and a commitment to pushing his boundaries as an actor. His breakthrough role as L.A. County prosecutor Christopher darden on Ryan Murphy’s “The People v. O.J. Simpson” paved the way for the acclaim he enjoys today.
Co-star Sarah Paulson, who played prosecutor Marcia Clark in the miniseries, shares a lighthearted anecdote about Brown’s trajectory.”He calls me ‘Big Time,’” Paulson recalls with a smile. “We have this long joke where now I’m like, ‘You’ve lapped me. You’ve lapped me so hardcore. You’ve got two [Primetime] Emmys, and you are nominated for an Oscar.’ And it’s just funny how he used to look at me like I was super fancy and triumphant, and now I’m like, ‘Wow, little brother, really, you lapped me. It’s over. Congratulations.’ and he still is like, ‘No, no, no.’ But I know what I know. The proof is in the proverbial pudding.”
Paulson describes the intense level of trust they shared on set, which allowed for exploration and unexpected moments. “There’s this one scene where we’re supposed to be at the hotel together, and we’re in a bar breaking things down, and they’ve had too much to drink, and they go upstairs, and there’s this moment where they almost kiss in a doorframe, and it doesn’t happen,” Paulson explains. “But then on one take, Anthony Hemingway, our director, told him to do it, and so he totally shocked me by kissing me. And I know there’s footage of this somewhere, because I think my face was like, ‘Ah!’ And we all just fell out laughing, because, of course, it couldn’t be used, because we don’t really know what happened between them ultimately. But it was pretty stunning. He was brave enough to do it.”
Brown’s change in “Paradise” is a testament to his undeniable talent and the lengths he’s willing to go to bring complex characters to life. Audiences will undoubtedly be captivated by his raw and powerful portrayal of Xavier,a man grappling with pain,anger,and the search for redemption.
Sterling K. Brown moves with an undeniable energy, but his responses often unfold with deliberate slowness, carefully measured in each syllable. His manager of 25 years, Jennifer Wiley-Moxley, knows this pacing isn’t simply a matter of choice; it’s a reflection of Brown’s commitment to ensuring every word carries weight.
“There are so many careers built on offers Sterling had, and wasn’t available for,” Wiley-Moxley reflects, highlighting Brown’s relentless dedication to his craft. “He was one of the rare actors who never had to hustle, who was willing to live frugally. He rented a room in a Harlem townhouse, didn’t even have his own bathroom, couldn’t afford a gym membership.”
Wiley-Moxley chuckles, remembering Brown’s quirky habits: “He would grab a dozen Krispy Kremes and devour them at my desk, declaring, ‘These are my calories for the day!’” Such resourcefulness, she notes, speaks volumes: “That grit, that ‘I’ll do whatever it takes’ mentality, that’s Sterling in a nutshell.”
Brown’s latest role sees him stepping into the heart of “Paradise,” a captivating series exploring the underbelly of privilege. While originally titled “Paradise City,” a naming dispute with Guns N’ Roses forced a title change. The series, envisioned by creator Jason Fogelman, aims to portray a seemingly idyllic town masking darker secrets, reminiscent of wealthy havens like Jupiter, Florida, known for attracting celebrities.
“Our goal was to capture a town that feels like idyllic Americana, somewhere where significant effort has gone into crafting a desirable facade, but with a subtle layer of grime beneath the surface,” Fogelman explains, drawing parallels between the fictional town and real-life communities marketed as havens for the elite.
“Paradise” arrives amidst a volatile political climate, prompting inevitable comparisons to contemporary realities. Though the idea originated over a decade ago, Fogelman waited for the conclusion of his hit series “This Is Us” to fully flesh out the story. While he denies consciously writing it for Brown, he firmly asserts that only Brown possesses the gravitas to breathe life into the complex character of Xavier.
The series promises to delve into complex themes of wealth, ambition, and the unsettling truths lurking beneath polished surfaces. Brown’s undeniable talent promises to anchor these explorations,creating a compelling drama that resonates beyond the confines of its fictional town.
sterling K. Brown is back on the small screen, and he’s not afraid to talk about the impact of Hollywood’s uncertain landscape. His latest role in “Paradise,” a mystery-drama series for Hulu, is more than just a job — it’s a chance for stability and a chance to work with a familiar crew.
“I remember being really nervous when I sent it to him because (a) I didn’t want him to feel pressured to do something or feel uncomfortable saying no to something. but (b) I was like, I don’t really have a plan B here that excites me if Sterling doesn’t want to do it,” says creator, Dan Fogelman, about reaching out to brown for the lead role.Fogelman has envisioned “Paradise” as a compelling three-season saga, with each season unfolding a new facet of the story, reminiscent of the acclaimed HBO show “The Wire.” However, while the first season has already wrapped filming, a second season remains uncertain. Despite this, Fogelman has already begun work on Season 2, assembling a writing team and completing the first episode’s script.For Brown, a return to television holds particular importance.”I’d like the stability of being able to see the end date on the horizon,” he explains, emphasizing the desire for a clear roadmap after the uncertainty of the past few years.
Filming in Los Angeles is another boon for Brown. “Paradise” utilized the same charming, small-town sets in Burbank used for the beloved series “Gilmore Girls,” bringing a sense of familiarity to the production.
Moreover, being in Los Angeles allows Brown to maintain close ties with his wife, actress ryan Michelle Bathé, and their sons, aged 13 and 9. it also presents a valuable possibility to employ colleagues from his previous hit show, ”This Is Us,” amidst a challenging climate for series television production.
Brown acknowledges the industry’s recent struggles, observing, “Everything has shrunk so tremendously, and I hope that it’s like the housing bubble and everything else, that there has to be a contraction before we find a new equilibrium that has a little bit more space.” the pandemic and subsequent strikes have left a lasting impact, displacing many workers. “So many people left L.A. between, first, the global pandemic, and then there were the strikes. And people have to work to pay for things, and there’s no…”
From ‘Paradise’ to Franchise Fare: Mike Vogel on Balancing Big Projects with Family Values
Actor Mike vogel is looking forward to the premiere of his new series ”Paradise” in 2025, a project that feels like a homecoming for him. After years on stages and sets, he’s
excited to be reunited with the familiar faces and crew from “This Is Us”, further amplifying the sense of connection to the project.
But Vogel’s journey isn’t solely focused on dramatic series; he’s also intrigued by the potential of blockbuster franchises. His role in 2018’s ”Black Panther” piqued his interest in this
genre, and he’s not shy about expressing his desire to return to the Marvel universe, stating, “I would love to come back to the Marvel universe, absolutely. Please have
me back. Please,please. Thank you.”
Vogel’s openness to franchises, however, doesn’t come at the expense of his family. he and his wife of 18 years, bathé, a familiar face from films like “The First Wives Club”
and “Boston Legal”, have established a “three-week rule” that requires them to return home to Los Angeles before embarking on extended projects.
The actor views working on franchises as a form of “estate planning” for actors, allowing them to plan for the future and enjoy a more relaxed pace.
“The IP stuff allows for you to think about retirement in a real way,” he says. “You get the franchise,and it’s something you can do a few of and people keep coming
back for — that means you can breathe a little easier and don’t feel like you have to just keep working all the time. I’m not saying I’m in that place right now,
but it does allow a very large exhale.”
Vogel sees no compromise between franchise work and artistic integrity, using Ryan Reynolds’ portrayal of Deadpool as a prime example. He believes that within a
franchise, actors can find unique nuances and make roles their own, saying, “I think about Reynolds and finding that thing for him that fit like hand in glove. It’s
perfect. You can’t imagine anybody else playing the part other than him. If I found something like that, oh, my goodness, I’d be like a pig in shit.”
“Paradise” premieres in a politically charged landscape, leaving Vogel uncertain about its reception.
“I don’t know how it’s going to land on people” in 2025’s fractured political climate,he admits.
Sterling K. Brown, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in “This Is Us” and “The People v. OJ Simpson,” steps into the role of a powerful and enigmatic politician in the new drama “Paradise.” The series, created by acclaimed writer Dan fogelman, explores the complexities of human nature when confronted with unimaginable circumstances.
Brown acknowledges the potential for viewers to draw parallels between the show’s themes and the current socio-political climate. ”I can tell you it was written long before [the 2024 election],and that it is a work of fiction,and that any sort of resemblance to characters in real life is purely coincidental. OK, I said it,” Brown shares. He continues, expressing his openness to diverse interpretations: “I’m sure it’s gonna hit different people in different ways. We’re living in a very divided time in our country right now, and some people are incredibly enthusiastic about [the president], and some people are not. And I’m sure everybody’s going to put their own thing on what the show is,” he says.“But I actually welcome what people have to say about it, because I am as curious as you are.”
Karey Burke, the head of 20th Television, affirms that the premiere date was steadfast solely by the creative process, not by external events. “We knew the show would be ready when it was ready, when Dan told us it was ready,” Burke explains. “And he’s exceptionally talented at what he does, but I don’t think he has the ability to predict the future. This was not a politically motivated show for him in any way. He wrote it during the pandemic, and was really much more interested in, what happens when people are thrust into an overwhelming and untenable situation? What are the choices we make when faced with massive life-and-death stakes?”
burke draws a comparison between the tone of “Paradise” and the enigmatic drama ”Lost,” a parallel echoed by Brown and Fogelman. While she remains tight-lipped about specific similarities, she promises that viewers are in for a captivating journey filled with unexpected twists.
Disney’s “Paradise” Premieres on ABC – A Bold Move for a Mystery Drama
Brian Bowen Smith for Variety
Sterling K. Brown’s captivating new drama, “Paradise,” is set to make a splash with an aspiring release strategy. Disney announced plans to unveil the show on Hulu with a three-episode premiere followed by a simultaneous ABC broadcast and a cable debut on FX. This unique approach is a departure from the typical streaming-first model, signifying the significant faith Disney has placed in this intriguing mystery.
“It’s just absolutely not what it seems at first,” says series creator Dan Fogelman, hinting at the complex layers of “Paradise.” ”It’s a mystery wrapped in an enigma.you think you know what it is when you first see it. And I think much more so than ‘This Is Us,’ it continually represents itself as about something else, and that I found interesting.”
Disney Television Group president Craig Erwich highlights the show’s potential for widespread appeal. “At Hulu, we’ve had tremendous success with really big event, serialized, lean-in dramas, and this feels like it has that,” he states. “Having mentioned that, I think the show is excellent and unique, but simultaneously occurring, very accessible and entertaining and I think it could work on multiple platforms.”
This multi-platform rollout aims to maximize exposure and generate buzz for “Paradise.” It’s a bold strategy that underscores the importance of this project to Disney, hoping to make it a defining moment in their streaming and television landscape.
Sterling K. Brown: Balancing Action, Comedy, and a Candid Look at his Career
Sterling K. Brown is a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. The Emmy-winning actor, best known for his powerful performance as Randall Pearson in the hit series “This Is Us,” is constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new creative avenues.
From intense dramas to action-packed blockbusters, Brown’s diverse filmography showcases his remarkable range and versatility. He recently wrapped filming on the dramatic thriller “Is God Is,” alongside Janelle Monáe and Vivica A. Fox. He also lent his talents to the Hulu limited series adaptation of esi Edugyan’s novel “Washington Black,” a project he executive produces under his Indian Meadows Productions banner.
Brown’s upcoming slate is equally remarkable.He’s set to star in a live-action adaptation of the beloved animated series “Voltron,” perhaps taking on the role of the villain, a prospect he describes as “crazy!” He’s also slated for roles in “the Gallerist” with Jenna Ortega and Natalie Portman, “By Any Means” with Mark Wahlberg, and Adam Scott’s directorial debut “Double booked,” alongside Alexandra Daddario and Zazie Beetz.”It was a bad guy role, because it was very tempting,” brown shared about one project he couldn’t yet disclose. “But a full-season arc, they are in Toronto — it’s tough. Listen, these are Champagne problems I’m talking about here! But because I’m blessed enough to already have certain things in place, I get a chance to be a bit more choosy.”
Beyond the big screen, Brown is devoted to several personal passions. He’s eager to return to the stage, a dream that “has been calling for a long time.” He’s also considering diving into the world of writing, although he admits, “Writing is really, really hard.”
Brown is passionate about his two podcasts: a rewatch of “This is Us” with co-stars Mandy moore and Chris Sullivan, and “We Don’t Always Agree” with his wife, Bathé. “That Was Us” is his way of keeping the love for the show alive with fans while also highlighting his desire to break free from the constraints of typecasting.
“I have no desire to make people think I am something other than what I am,” he says passionately. “I’m a very flawed, very silly human being, but pleasant with being flawed and comfortable with being silly. And if you want to put something on me, make sure you’re putting it on a canvas that is not already biased, for better or for worse. I’m gonna tell you exactly who I am, and either you choose to roll or you choose not to.”
Directing is also on his radar as he explores new creative avenues.
With a career that spans thrilling dramas,light-hearted comedies,and a dedication to authentic storytelling,Sterling K. Brown continues to captivate audiences and redefine the possibilities of acting.