Sterling K. Brown, known for his role in *This Is Us*, stars as Xavier Collins in the political thriller *Paradise* on Disney+. Accused of assassinating the President he protects, Collins navigates a seemingly tranquil community to prove his innocence. Creator Dan Fogelman praises Brown’s unique talent, likening him to legendary actors. Brown describes Collins as calm and observant, reflecting on themes of duty, pain, and the impact of political dynamics in the series, highlighting the importance of candidate ideas over fundraising.
For six years, Sterling K. Brown captivated audiences globally as Randall Pearson, a beloved character in the family drama *This Is Us*, which has been adapted for French viewers as *Je te promets*. Now, the talented American actor takes on a different challenge, diving into the psyche of a troubled character in *Paradise*, available on Disney+. In this gripping political thriller, Brown portrays Secret Service agent Xavier Collins, who is wrongfully accused of assassinating the President he was sworn to protect. Set within the confines of a seemingly peaceful community, Collins is determined to clear his name.
Dan Fogelman’s Vision and Sterling K. Brown’s Unique Talent
Dan Fogelman, the mastermind behind both *This Is Us* and *Paradise*, has expressed high praise for Brown, noting that he envisioned the actor when crafting this intriguing political narrative. *”He is someone who commands respect in real life. He is nice, he is kind, he is funny. It emanates from him and I think it shines on screen,”* Fogelman shared. He drew comparisons between Brown’s acting prowess and renowned stars like Al Pacino. *”What Sterling K. Brown does in *Paradise* reminds me of what old-school movie stars like Kevin Costner, Andy Garcia, and Denzel Washington used to do. They were big action stars, but you cared about them,”* he added. Brown, now 48, is an Emmy Award and Golden Globe recipient, and he was nominated for an Oscar last year.
Unraveling the Character of Xavier Collins
When asked about the challenges of discussing *Paradise* without revealing too much, Brown chuckled, recalling similar hurdles when promoting *This Is Us*. *”Every time I participate in a Dan Fogelman series, I’ll find myself talking about it without really talking about it,”* he said with a smile.
Regarding the character of Xavier Collins, Brown reflects, *”Xavier is very calm by nature. He observes and absorbs what is happening around him. He is emotionally reserved because he suffers, yet he is also a man of action.”* Although the first episode lacks traditional action scenes, Collins displays his ability to assess and secure the crime scene effectively. Recognizing his complex relationship with the President, he anticipates being sidelined from the investigation but senses that he might uncover the truth.
Brown also shared how his previous role in *Army Wives*, where he played an army psychiatrist, informed his understanding of the intricate connection between duty and pain, particularly in the context of post-traumatic stress. He noted that, much like his character Randall and himself, running serves as an outlet for anxiety, reflecting on how all residents in *Paradise* grapple with their pasts.
When asked to encapsulate what makes a great Dan Fogelman series, Brown humorously dismissed his co-stars’ praises, then articulated his own three key elements: intelligence, humor, and humanity. He emphasized Fogelman’s meticulous research and the depth of character development that brings the world of *Paradise* to life.
In a world where political dynamics often feel surreal, Brown acknowledged the uncanny parallels between the series and real-life events, particularly regarding the influence of money on political campaigns in the U.S. He believes that the focus should shift from fundraising to the candidates’ ideas and visions for the future.