Set photos confirm that an important dead character is in Paradise season 3.
Due to the frequent use of flashbacks, several characters have continued to appear in the series even after their deaths. This includes numerous flashbacks featuring President Cal Bradford (James Marsden) after his body was discovered by Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) in the pilot episode, along with multiple appearances from Billy Pace (Jon Beavers) after his shocking death in episode 4. Another key character, Samantha “Sinatra” Redmond, dies in the Paradise season 2 finale, raising questions about whether she will return.
In Paradise season 3 set photos taken by Backgrid (via Just Jared), Marsden can be seen reprising the role of Cal, which confirms that the character will return again despite his very early death in the series. The actor is seen wearing a tie and holding a coffee cup as he walks across a gas station.
Click here to see the Paradise season 3 set photos.
Given how much Cal has appeared in the show’s flashbacks, him being in season 3 is not too surprising, especially after creator and showrunner Dan Fogelman previously told Entertainment Weekly that “I have had roles for him in mind both in the second and third season as a way that he can play a part in the story.” At the same time, the set photos are welcome confirmation, and there is even an alternative to how he can return outside of flashbacks this time.
Paradise‘s mystery regarding Alex is eventually revealed to involve an AI-powered computer located beneath the Denver International Airport, and Sinatra indicates that it can undo the apocalypse once Xavier finds it. Whether this means time travel, alternate realities, or something else hasn’t been answered yet, but these possibilities open the door for Cal and other dead characters, including Billy and Sinatra, to be in this season via these science-fiction elements in addition to flashbacks.
It’s also important for Cal to return because Fogelman and other members of the creative team have confirmed that this will be the hit show’s final season. Marsden’s character has been integral since the very beginning, and it is only fitting that he will play a role in the show’s last chapters. Beyond his death being central to season 1, Cal is one of the series’ most thoroughly developed characters, and he has important connections to the majority of those still alive in the story.
Joining Xavier and Cal in Paradise season 3 are Elijah Wood and Melissa Benoist, who appeared in an image Fogelman previously shared on Instagram, with their characters seemingly aboard a space shuttle. Primetime Emmy Award winner Julianna Margulies has also been cast in a role that remains under wraps. Returning cast members include Thomas Doherty, Sarah Shahi, Krys Marshall, Enuka Okuma, Aliyah Mastin, Percy Daggs IV, and Charlie Evans.
As for when Paradise season 3 will premiere, early 2027 seems likely based on the show’s schedule so far. Season 1 debuted in January 2025, followed by season 2 in February 2026. Season 2 began filming less than a month after the season 1 finale, and season 3 kicked off production only about a week after the season 2 finale. The quick turnaround has made returning on an annual basis possible, which has become a rarity for many streaming series.
All episodes of Paradise seasons 1 and 2 are streaming on Hulu.
- Release Date
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January 26, 2025
- Network
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Hulu
- Showrunner
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Dan Fogelman
- Directors
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Gandja Monteiro
- Writers
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Jason Wilborn
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Sterling K. Brown
Xavier Collins
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Julianne Nicholson
Samantha ‘Sinatra’ Redmond