Sterling K. Brown’s Bold Move: Stepping Out of Randall’s Shadow in ‘Paradise’

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Sterling K. Brown is done crying every week.

Two days prior to Thanksgiving, Brown can be found seated at a spacious table inside a photo studio in Culver City, tucking into a packed meal while pondering over the storyline of his upcoming Hulu drama series titled “Paradise.

Brown carefully selects his phrases while also increasing his enthusiasm to mirror his intense enthusiasm for the topic. This is quite distinct from his role as Randall Pearson in “This Is Us,” the NBC family drama that catapulted him to stardom and was often praised for making viewers cry their eyes out. Despite being created by and produced by Dan Fogelman, who also worked on “This Is Us,” this new series is designed to elicit very different feelings from viewers. It’s a modern political thriller with a complex narrative. At times, it can be genuinely chilling.

In my view, “This Is Us” provides a moment of release. Typically, by the end of each episode, it allows me to let go of something heavy. This time though, the weight just seems to accumulate even further. It’s becoming more engrossing and suspenseful.

Brown taps a steady beat on the table while narrating the storyline of “Paradise,” eager to disclose even more details before its January 28 release. He has only a few hours to spare before fetching one of his two sons from soccer practice, but for now, he’s wholly focused on discussing his fellow cast members. Julianne Nicholson, he declares, is “a real powerhouse” in her role, while James Marsden leaves him questioning whether he stands a chance against such charm.

Brown appears noticeably excited since this conversation marks the first time he’s shared insights about the eagerly awaited series with anyone outside of his professional confidants, who are bound by secrecy. “Paradise” signifies not only Brown’s initial ascension to top billing but also his inaugural role as an executive producer. Since his breakout roles in “This Is Us” and “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” Brown has solidified himself as a well-known actor. Last year, he earned an Oscar nomination for his supporting performance alongside Jeffrey Wright in the film “American Fiction.” However, it’s evident that Brown is eager to demonstrate his longevity as a leading man with “Paradise.” In this project, he has reconnected with a reliable collaborator and accomplished writer-producer, Fogelman, to aid him on this journey.

For Brown, the importance of his show, created by Disney’s 20th Television, is clearly visible in his meticulous attention to every minor aspect. He gets worked up with enthusiasm over even trivial matters, such as the ’80s-inspired soundtrack. “It reminds me quite a bit of ‘Bridgerton,’ which I watched during the pandemic,” he says, pointing out how Shonda Rhimes’ Netflix series, Bridgerton, combined classical arrangements with pop hits like Madonna’s “Material Girl” and Pink’s “What About Us.

Brown explains that they’ve given well-known tunes a fresh spin with their covers. Just as Jordan Peele did with ‘I Got 5 on It’ in ‘Us’, creating a memorable moment – ‘ba-dump bum, ba-dump bum, ba-dump bum’. When people heard it in the trailer, many Black audiences reacted excitedly, saying ‘Oh, wow! “I Got 5 on It”!’ We aim to evoke a similar reaction from our target audience. They’ll listen to the songs and exclaim, ‘Oh, I know this!’

Before “This Is Us” concluded in May 2022, Fogelman shared a “really fantastic idea” for his next series with Brown, but it wasn’t “Paradise.” At that time, Brown was interested in delving into the world of film. After his achievement with “American Fiction,” Brown received another proposal from Fogelman.

He stated, ‘I penned this production, and as I was composing it, I found myself almost crafting it with you in mind.’ He added, ‘If you’re not keen, that’s cool, I get it — but if you are, we can discuss it further.’ So I replied, ‘Mate, for the past six years, you’ve been creating fantastic material — let me give it a look.’ Upon reading it, I reached out and declared, ‘I’m on board.’ He understood my ‘Amen,’ as I’m African American, assuming I was simply expressing something from church. Then he inquired, ‘What does “amen” mean? Is it good? Is it bad?’ ‘No, fool. I’ve agreed.‘

Nestled within a picturesque, affluent neighborhood, “Paradise” unfolds around Xavier Collins, a Secret Service agent and devoted single parent to two children. His peaceful life is disrupted when the unexpected murder of ex-U.S. president Cal Bradford, portrayed by Marsden, occurs. As Brown’s character finds himself under investigation, a secretive figure named Sinatra (played by Nicholson) keeps a watchful eye over the proceedings.

The storyline ‘Paradise’ delves into is multi-faceted, encompassing personal struggles during crises, learning to advance when everything seems topsy-turvy, and discovering resilience even in the face of uncertainty about future progress. It’s also about adapting to a new normal after experiencing loss, and finding ways to cope with this change.

Interestingly, Brown reveals that the protagonist had a complex relationship with the president, who was both his employer and a friend. Although they may not have been on good terms at the time of his death, which is why he’s implicated in the story, they were undeniably friends throughout their lives.

Xavier’s experiences and challenges stand in stark contrast to the family-oriented character Randall, portrayed by Brown, from the TV series “This Is Us,” for whom he received five consecutive Emmy nominations (with a win in that period) between 2017 and 2021.

Brown remarks that while Randall seems more sorrowful, Xavier appears to be more enraged. He suggests that it’s anger, specifically, that people often cling to as a means of avoiding feelings of sadness.

When selecting Brown for the role of Xavier, Fogelman instructed the actor to contain the intense emotions he had shown earlier in heartfelt soliloquies on screen. Instead of shedding tears, as seen in “Paradise,” he conveys his feelings through silent, stoic gazes rather than displays of emotion.

In his amazement, Fogelman comments as we watch Brown’s performance in the premiere of “Paradise” in the showrunner’s office on the Paramount lot in Hollywood: “This muscular, understated acting style of Sterling is completely different from what we’re used to seeing. Compared to his chatty character in ‘This Is Us’, he barely speaks here until the very end, making this role a significant departure.

In 2019’s independent coming-of-age drama “Waves,” Brown delivered an exceptional performance that caught Fogelman’s attention and led to him being cast as Xavier. Impressed by the film, Fogelman commented, “I believed it was one of the top films of the year and deserved Oscar nominations.” He further added, “Brown portrayed a character much darker than his role in ‘This Is Us.’ His versatility is remarkable, making him a perfect fit for the complex character he plays in ‘Paradise.’

Ever since I left NYU with nothing but dreams in my pocket, I’ve been grinding to expand my acting range. But it was my portrayal of L.A. County prosecutor Christopher Darden in Ryan Murphy’s “The People v. O.J. Simpson” that truly transformed my career.

Sarah Paulson shares, “He nicknames me ‘Big Time.’ We often joke about it now because I’ve been left in his dust, he’s won so many awards! I say, ‘You’ve not only surpassed me, you’ve lapped me completely. You’ve got two Emmys and an Oscar nomination! And it’s amusing how he used to see me as the epitome of success, but now I find myself saying, ‘Wow, little brother, you’ve truly outdone me. It seems like the race is over. Congratulations.’ He still denies it, but I know the truth. The evidence is clear.

During filming, Paulson reflects on the strong mutual trust between them that enabled them to challenge themselves and innovate. “There’s a scene where we’re supposed to be at a hotel together,” Paulson explains, “and we’re in a bar smashing things up, after they’ve had too much to drink. They go upstairs, and there’s this close call where they almost kiss in a doorway, but it doesn’t transpire.

In one instance during filming, our director, Anthony Hemingway, instructed him to act in a certain way, and I was utterly surprised when he unexpectedly kissed me instead. I believe there’s footage of my reaction somewhere, as it’s likely I expressed shock with an “Ah!” expression. We all burst into laughter because, obviously, such a moment couldn’t be included in the final cut, given the unclear nature of their relationship. Nevertheless, it was quite a spectacle, and he showed great courage to pull off that daring move.

Even though Brown is full of energy, he carefully times his reactions with a leisurely rhythm that fits each word’s purpose. He gives the impression of having endless time, which Jennifer Wiley-Moxley, his manager for 25 years, would point out is not the case. “Many careers have been constructed around opportunities that Sterling declined due to unavailability,” she notes, reflecting on Brown’s remarkable journey from St. Louis, where he once lived on doughnuts.

As a movie reviewer, I found myself captivated by Sterling’s unique journey. Unlike many others in his profession, he didn’t need a secondary source of income due to his remarkable frugality. Instead of living lavishly, he chose to reside in a room within a Harlem townhouse, sharing facilities and eschewing luxuries such as a private bathroom or gym membership.

His unconventional approach to life extended beyond his financial choices, as he would delight in treating himself to a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts, proudly proclaiming, “These are my daily calories!” His eccentricities were charming, and they underscored his relentless determination: ‘I’ll do whatever it takes to succeed.’ Sterling was an intriguing character, both fun and quirky in his pursuit of his dreams.

Fogelman’s “Paradise” subtly hints at a foreboding atmosphere in a town that appears as a comfortable slice of affluent America. (The series was initially named “Paradise City,” but this was abbreviated due to disagreements with Guns N’ Roses over the use of their 1988 hit song bearing the same name, or its title.)

In Fogelman’s words, the aim was to depict a town that embodied a picturesque American charm, as if it had been carefully crafted yet retained a touch of authenticity. He likens this setting to Jupiter, Florida, known for its high-profile residents like Tiger Woods and Tom Brady. Essentially, it’s a place where wealth has been invested to create a peaceful, rural atmosphere that appears ordinary.

Paradise”, a new series, is set to premiere eight days following Donald Trump’s second inauguration, and its themes are bound to evoke parallels with the contentious politics of the current era. Creator Dan Fogelman reveals that he has been nurturing this concept for a decade; however, it wasn’t until “This Is Us” concluded and he began writing something fresh that the narrative took shape. Fogelman emphasizes that he didn’t intentionally create the story for Sterling K. Brown, but he also asserts that only Brown possesses the talent to breathe life into Xavier.

Fogelman admits he felt quite anxious when sending it over to him, as he didn’t wish to put any undue pressure on him or make him feel uneasy about declining the proposal. However, he also acknowledged that if Sterling weren’t interested, there wasn’t another option available that appealed to him much.

As a follower, I’ve been eagerly anticipating that “Paradise” will unfold as a captivating three-season series, composed of eight episodes per season. According to Brown, the show is planned to evolve much like HBO’s celebrated drama “The Wire,” which showcased various aspects of Baltimore through its seasons, introducing new characters who intertwined with a group of recurring players. At present, Hulu hasn’t made a decision on a second season, but creator Fogelman has already gathered a team for Season 2 and recently finished polishing the script for the premiere episode.

Brown is excited to hear about a renewal for his upcoming TV appearance, as it offers him several benefits. He values the security of knowing when the project will end, and he appreciates the convenience of filming in Los Angeles, a place that brings back memories as it’s where parts of “Paradise” were filmed on Burbank sets similar to the fictional Connecticut town from “Gilmore Girls.” This location also keeps him close to his wife, actress Ryan Michelle Bathé, and their two sons. Moreover, working in Los Angeles allows them to utilize crew members from “This Is Us,” which could be beneficial during a time when employment in TV series has significantly decreased.

As a movie reviewer, I found myself reflecting on the striking transformation portrayed in this film, where everything seemed to contract dramatically. Much like the housing market, I can’t help but hope that this compression is temporary, leading us towards a new balance with more room to breathe.

The exodus from Los Angeles was swift and substantial, triggered by the global pandemic and subsequent strikes. With jobs scarce and finances stretched thin, many had no choice but to seek solace elsewhere. Yet, returning to ‘Paradise’ – a familiar haven for many of the crew from ‘This Is Us’ – added an undeniable sense of homecoming.

The city shrank drastically, mirroring a market crash. But just like any bubble, it has to pop before we can find our new normal with more space. Los Angeles emptied out due to the pandemic and strikes, but going back to ‘Paradise’ felt like coming home for many.

Fogelman’s choice to limit the series to only three seasons ensures that Brown will stay open to potential new opportunities, even big-budget franchises like the one he got a taste of with a minor role in “Black Panther” in 2018.

Brown suggests that Marvel should adopt a ‘Law & Order’ style of periodic resets and returns, implying this to Marvel’s head Kevin Feige. He expresses his desire to rejoin the Marvel universe, saying he would be delighted to do so.

However, large franchises shouldn’t compromise his time with his wife of 18 years, Bathé, and their sons. As a rule, the couple abide by a “three-week rule” which requires them to return home to Los Angeles and touch grass before they engage in any project away from their family if they are apart for more than three weeks.

Brown sees work on popcorn franchise pics as akin to estate planning for actors.

He explains that having an IP (intellectual property) allows you to contemplate retirement in a tangible manner. With the franchise, you can do it occasionally and still attract customers regularly, which provides some relief and makes you feel less compelled to work non-stop all the time. He’s not saying he’s at that stage yet, but it certainly offers a big sigh of relief.

Brown contends that being part of a franchise doesn’t equate to compromising artistic integrity or selling out, using Ryan Reynolds as an example. He explains how Reynolds managed to make the profane Deadpool character uniquely his own within the Marvel universe.

I’ve been pondering on finding the ideal role for Reynolds, one that suits him perfectly, just as a hand fits into a glove. It seems tailor-made for him; no other actor could do it justice. If I managed to find something similar, it would be like striking gold!

Brown acknowledges that the show “Paradise” will debut in a nation divided by Trump’s return. Over our meal before Thanksgiving, he confesses that he’s unsure how it will be received in the politically fragmented society of 2025.

Brown speaks with an air of familiarity as he clarifies, “I want to make it clear that this was written prior to the 2024 election, and it’s a work of fiction. Any similarities to real-life characters are unintentional. I’ve said my piece.” He goes on, “I think people will interpret this differently given our current political climate. Some may be ardent supporters of the president, while others may not. Each person is bound to project their own perspective onto the show,” he notes. “I’m eager to hear what people have to say about it because I’m just as curious as you are.

20th Television’s head, Karey Burke, stated that they had no discussions about altering the show’s initial airdate due to real-life happenings.

Burke stated that they would know the show was ready once Dan said it was, because he’s incredibly skilled at his work but not a fortune teller. The show wasn’t politically driven by Dan; instead, it was written during the pandemic, and its focus was on how people react when plunged into an extreme and unmanageable scenario, exploring the decisions we make under life-or-death pressure.

(I aimed to maintain the meaning while making the sentence structure simpler and easier to read.)

Burke draws a parallel between the atmosphere of “Paradise” and the ABC drama “Lost”, which is a connection that both Brown and Fogelman have mentioned during our discussions as well. However, Burke remains vague when asked about the specific similarities between the shows. To gain early access to the series, I’ve agreed not to reveal any spoilers about the upcoming surprises, of which there are plenty.

Burke remarks that ‘Paradise’ isn’t what it initially appears to be. He describes it as a puzzle within a puzzle, where you believe you understand its nature at first glance. In his opinion, this show reveals itself to be about something different more often than ‘This Is Us’, and he found this intriguing.

On January 22nd, Disney announced that they will broadcast the premiere episode of “Paradise” on ABC during prime time, one day after the first three episodes have been released on Hulu. Following this, the show will make its cable debut on FX. This strategic move is significant and unique for Disney, as it has previously shown “Only Murders in the Building” (co-produced by Fogelman together with series creator John Hoffman) on ABC after the streaming series had completed its initial run on Hulu. Essentially, Disney is making a concerted effort to break down barriers between release windows to reach the largest audience possible at the show’s launch, highlighting “Paradise” as a top priority.

As I eagerly anticipate the audience’s response to “Paradise,” my own cinematic journey continues. I find myself teaming up with Henry Cavill and Rita Ora in a live-action rendition of the cherished animated series, “Voltron.” It’s been whispered that I might portray the antagonist in this project – an idea that leaves me exclaiming, “That’s wild!” after a moment’s thought.

I’ve already completed filming for the drama “Is God Is” alongside Janelle Monáe and Vivica A. Fox, as well as Hulu’s adaptation of Esi Edugyan’s novel, “Washington Black.” In this latter project, I am not only acting but also serving as executive producer under my Indian Meadows Productions label.

Currently, he’s making efforts to fit in three additional high-profile film ventures into his calendar: “The Gallerist” starring Jenna Ortega and Natalie Portman, “By Any Means” featuring Mark Wahlberg, and “Double Booked,” Adam Scott’s directorial first attempt, which includes Scott, Alexandra Daddario, and Zazie Beetz.

He’s only able to discuss a few of the projects he’s working on. The 48-year-old actor, famous for his muscular physique, admits to keeping himself in top shape (especially for chasing after his children) and is ready for any role that requires him to show off his abs. He plans to continue this until people stop asking him to do so.

This version aims to make the original text more natural and easy to understand by rephrasing some of the sentences and using simpler vocabulary where possible.

Instead of needing to accept any acting job that comes his way, Brown is now finding himself in a position where he has to be choosier due to the abundance of opportunities coming his way. He regrettably had to decline a season-long role on Amazon Prime Video’s series “The Boys,” which was offered by showrunner Eric Kripke – a collaborator with whom Brown worked on the WB Network/CW drama “Supernatural.

Brown states, “I believe the character was a villain due to its tempting nature. However, playing a full-season arc in Toronto presents difficulties. To clarify, these are luxury concerns we’re discussing here! Nevertheless, being fortunate enough to have some things secured allows me to be somewhat selective about the roles I choose.

In the future, Brown is looking forward to finding opportunities to:

1. Get back on stage, a place that has been calling him for a long time.
2. Write a book, though he acknowledges it’s incredibly challenging.
3. Continue and possibly expand his two podcasts, including one where he revisits “This Is Us” with co-stars Mandy Moore and Chris Sullivan, and another called “We Don’t Always Agree” with his wife Bathé.
4. “That Was Us” is his platform to express his enduring love for the show while also distancing himself from the character of Randall. He believes he has worked too hard to be confined to one role.

He expresses that he doesn’t want others to perceive him as something other than his true self. He acknowledges his imperfections and silliness, but is at peace with both. If someone plans to judge him, they should ensure their judgement isn’t influenced by preconceived notions, good or bad. He will openly reveal his authentic self, and it’s up to the other person whether they accept or reject this truth.

He’s also considering the possibility of directing.

During the preparation for the last season of “This Is Us,” Fogelman gave Brown and the other main actors an opportunity to direct episodes. Moore, Ventimiglia, Hartley, and Huertas seized this chance. Brown initially signaled his interest but promptly withdrew it.

Brown states, “He asks, ‘Are you absolutely certain? Won’t you find yourself in the midst of the season wondering, “Why is everyone else directing this instead of me?”‘ To which he replies, ‘No, I’m fine.’ However, there’s a possibility that such a scenario might unfold on his upcoming series.

What captivates me most in any situation is the aspect of performance. In my role as a director, it’s essential to be fascinated by the entirety of the project. At times, I might express indifference towards certain aspects, but with a hearty chuckle. I prefer to leave world-building to others. However, if given the chance, it would be an exciting opportunity for me since I have faith in my crew’s abilities. They are the ones I trust. Moreover, I am confident that I can entrust tasks outside of my expertise to others. I take pride in my focus on performance and my aptitude for communicating with actors.

Stopping a moment to mull over the question again, he adds, “You may have planted a seed there.” 

Maybe it will grow in “Paradise.”

Styling: Chloe Keiko Takayanagi/The Wall Group; Grooming: Kathy Santiago; Look 1 (cover): Coat: Hermes; Look 2 (seated in yellow sweater): Sweater and pants: Hermes; Shoes: Santoni; Watch: IWC; Ring: David Yurman; Look 3 (Running image): Coat and pants: Bugatchi; Sweater: Brioni; Boots: Vince: Watch: IWC; Look 4L (Seated in front of wood fence): Coat: Brunello Cucinelli; Sweater: Todd Snyder; Pants: Rag & Bone; Boots: Jimmy Choo; Necklace: David Yurman; Look 5: (Standing in doorway): Jacket: Bugatchi; Sweater and pants: Brioni; Boots: Scarosso; Necklace: David Yurman; Watch: IWC
A Look Back: Sterling K. Brown’s Work on “American Crime Story” Was a Star-Making Turn

In “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” which aired on FX in 2016, I found myself utterly captivated by Sterling K. Brown’s portrayal of Deputy District Attorney Christopher Darden. His knack for embodying the character’s subtle nuances was nothing short of remarkable. From the casual slouch that made his ill-fitting suits seem perfectly suited to the role, to the way he crammed his imposing frame into a compact car with an air of resignation, Brown breathed life into the series and helped it delve deeper into the profound impact of the O.J. Simpson double murder trial on America.

Brown’s portrayal in “The People v. O.J. Simpson” offers a significant emotional component to the narrative; the character represents the complex viewpoints found within L.A.’s racially divided communities related to the case. Instead of presenting a campy or sensationalized reflection on this infamous event, the miniseries delved deeply into challenging questions that remain unresolved, such as how fame, wealth, race, and social class influence the criminal justice system.

In the beginning, Brown subtly establishes a theme as Darden interacts with one of Simpson’s Black neighbors while Simpson is on his well-known freeway journey in the white Ford Bronco. Darden points out to the neighbor that Simpson, during his years as an NFL superstar, didn’t appear to be very concerned about the needs of underprivileged Black youth. In a rhetorical manner, he questions, “Where are all the O.J. Simpson playgrounds in the housing projects?” When the neighbor replies, “He’s being chased by the cops now – he’s considered Black,” the expressions Brown displays convey more to the viewers than any dialogue ever could.

In 2016, when Brown received his first Emmy Award for his work on the show, justice was finally achieved. — Cynthia Littleton

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When Brown won his first Emmy in 2016 for his series role, it brought about justice at last. — Cynthia Littleton

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2025-01-24 19:20