Shailene Woodley joins Paradise season 2, which is set to deepen the story’s post-apocalyptic world as Sterling K. Brown’s character, Xavier Collins, ventures beyond the underground bunker into a compelling and mysterious outside world. The Emmy-nominated Hulu series returns with fresh twists in its second season, promising to expand on the fallout of the mass extinction event that has reshaped their reality.
The series, created by Dan Fogelman, centers on Xavier Collins, an FBI agent living in the underground shelter called Paradise, who is striving to clear his name after being implicated in the murder of President Cal Bradford, portrayed by James Marsden. After the dramatic events of season 1, Xavier’s journey takes him out of the bunker as he searches for his wife, while new characters, including Thomas Doherty and Woodley, join the cast in a story filled with survival, secrets, and shifting alliances.
Xavier Collins’ Journey into the Unknown
At the end of season 1, Xavier left the safety of Paradise to seek his missing wife in the outside world, which is marked by chaos and uncertainty after a catastrophic event. Xavier’s escape was prompted by troubling revelations, including the existence of other survivors and the harsh truth behind the bunker’s creation and leadership under the enigmatic Sinatra, played by Julianne Nicholson.
Season 1 revealed that the bunker’s residents, including Xavier and his children, had lived through a carefully orchestrated survival plan devised by Sinatra, overseen by complex, shadowy motives. With a coup attempt and betrayals behind them, Xavier’s departure raises questions about what lies ahead for him and those left behind, including Jane (Nicole Brydon Bloom), a Secret Service agent with her own hidden intentions.
The Challenges Awaiting Outside Paradise
Sterling K. Brown describes Xavier’s quest as a tense exploration of a world very different from what viewers might expect in typical post-apocalyptic narratives. He cautions against comparing Paradise to other series, saying,
“Completely different worlds and a completely different tone, but as interesting for very, very different reasons.”
—Sterling K. Brown, Actor
Brown hints that Xavier’s search will reveal a varied and unpredictable landscape of survivors. Some people encountered are benign, while others act with ill intent. The journey involves more than just air travel—after an EMP detonation in episode 7 complicates transportation, Xavier must navigate by foot and other means, encountering communities that have adapted to the post-collapse environment in their own ways.
When asked if Atlanta is Xavier’s first destination, Brown confirms,
“That is his stated goal. Absolutely.”
—Sterling K. Brown, Actor
Balancing the Story Inside and Outside the Bunker
Paradise season 2 balances Xavier’s outside adventure with ongoing struggles within the bunker. The internal fallout from the rebellion against Sinatra and Jane continues to unfold, showing how the inhabitants attempt to rebuild and protect themselves amidst shifting power dynamics.
Brown highlights the intriguing tension between characters back in the bunker, noting that Jane remains a mysterious figure to both viewers and Xavier. He explains,
“Do you know what I love about Jane? Jane is the one character where the audience is ahead of Xavier. The audience knows more about Jane than Xavier does. So Jane has Xavier’s complete trust, and I like that because the audience is constantly like, What? So that continues.”
—Sterling K. Brown, Actor
The arc of Sinatra, who took a serious blow in the previous season, is poised for significant development. Brown teases a complex look at her character’s motivations, describing the creator’s intent to explore a possible redemption path for her.
“He is attempting a path of redemption. Whether Xavier sees that path or not, [I don’t know]. He still probably just wants to kill her.”
—Sterling K. Brown, Actor
Revealing the Past and Present Connections
The story also delves deeper into Xavier’s history, including his friendship with President Cal Bradford. Brown confirms that James Marsden will appear in flashbacks and various time periods, enriching the narrative and giving more context to the unfolding mystery. This offers fans a richer understanding of the relationships that shape Xavier’s character.
Expanding the Scale of Life Beyond Paradise
The true scope of humanity’s survival remains a key mystery. Brown explains that Xavier is aware of other survivors due to intercepted radio signals, but he has no idea about the extent of life outside the bunker. The second season allows the audience to discover these revelations alongside Xavier, making the unfolding drama more immediate and immersive.
The difficulty of communicating with those left behind in Paradise remains a factor, complicated by the EMP’s severe isolation effect. Xavier’s attempts to maintain contact are hindered, leaving him as much in the dark about his family and former home as the viewers. The question of who he might reach out to—whether Sinatra or someone else—adds tension to the narrative.
Increased Action and Heightened Conflict
Season 2 ramps up the action sequences, reflecting Xavier’s new environment. Brown remarks on the shift that comes with exploring an entirely unfamiliar landscape filled with unknown threats and complex motives. The increased friction between characters fuels suspense and elevates the stakes throughout the season.
The Uncertain Reunion and Emotional Stakes
If Xavier succeeds in finding his wife, the emotional aftermath could be complex. Brown refrains from spoiling details but suggests the reunion could contain more than just relief, leaving room for unresolved feelings and conflict depending on what they have endured.
Welcoming Shailene Woodley to the Ensemble
Among the new faces joining the cast this season is Shailene Woodley, whose involvement has excited both fans and cast members. Brown praises Woodley not only for her talent but also for the personal connection they’ve formed. He shares,
“I can’t say much. I made a friend, that’s really the biggest thing. It’s always great when you hire wonderful people that are good at what they do, but when you actually make a friend that’s even cooler. She’s sweet, honest, open, ready to play, and very professional. I expected all of those things of her. But to have met her and to have played with her in the sandbox, it was everything and more. She’s outstanding.”
—Sterling K. Brown, Actor
What Lies Ahead for Paradise
As Paradise enters its second season, the story broadens from the tight confines of the bunker into an unpredictable world filled with new dangers and alliances. Xavier’s journey outward and the ongoing intrigues inside Paradise are central to the evolving narrative, delivering a mix of suspense, discovery, and complex character dynamics.
The addition of Shailene Woodley promises fresh energy and complexity, enhancing the series’ layered storytelling. With more intense action and emotional depth, Paradise season 2 aims to captivate viewers with shocking revelations and bold new directions as it continues to explore survival and humanity after the apocalypse.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Shailene Woodley’s diagnosis?
A. Shailene Woodley began dealing with scoliosis at the age of 15. The diagnosis was unexpected for her. As she matured, she faced both physical and emotional challenges due to the condition.
Q. Why did Shailene Woodley quit acting?
A. In 2015, Woodley paused her acting work for almost a year and thought about leaving the profession. In a later interview, she mentioned feeling that acting had reached a dead end for her and that she needed a change. However, she rekindled her passion for acting while working on the show Big Little Lies.
Q. What was Shailene Woodley’s illness?
A. Shailene Woodley, famous for her parts in “Divergent” and “Big Little Lies,” has talked openly about having scoliosis. She found out she had it at age 15 and wore a brace for two years to keep her spine straight. Her story helps people understand scoliosis, which is when the spine curves in an unusual way.
