‘Paradise’ Season 3 Casts ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Supergirl’ Stars in Space Roles
Hulu’s ‘Paradise’ has emerged as one of the most ambitious sci-fi thrillers available for streaming, and its third season is already showcasing that creator Dan Fogelman is not afraid to take risks. Initially, the series was a mystery thriller set in an underground bunker following a global catastrophe, but it has gradually delved deeper into science fiction. What began as a slow-burn apocalyptic drama has transformed into a more expansive narrative, and season three is set to elevate that ambition even further.
The now-destroyed bunker has left former Secret Service agent Xavier Collins, portrayed by Sterling K. Brown, on a new mission aimed at saving the world in the aftermath. Season 2 significantly raised the stakes, introducing an advanced quantum AI and concluding with a revelation that directs Xavier towards a second bunker concealed beneath the Denver airport.
Executive producer John Hoberg shared with The Hollywood Reporter that the creative team has a clear vision for the series’ conclusion, making a fourth season challenging to navigate. This indicates that season three is shaping up to be the endgame.
The casting news for this final chapter is where things get particularly exciting. Creator Dan Fogelman posted a set photo on Instagram featuring ‘Lord of the Rings’ star Elijah Wood and ‘Supergirl’ star Melissa Benoist, both in astronaut gear on what seems to be a spaceship bridge.
Fogelman captioned the image, stating, “S3, you have no idea where this thing is going,” which has sparked a flurry of theories online. Cast member Krys Marshall humorously commented that Dan cannot keep a secret to save his life.
The astronaut theme signifies a notable shift for the series, which has primarily focused on a post-apocalyptic Earth, with the first season entirely taking place within the underground bunker. Fans have already begun speculating, with some theorizing that Wood and Benoist could portray crew members who were in orbit when the disaster struck below. Others are suggesting time jumps or multiverse elements, given the show’s penchant for sci-fi twists.
Wood is busy with multiple projects, confirmed to reprise his role as Frodo Baggins in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’ and expected to return as Walter Tattersall in ‘Yellowjackets.’ Benoist, renowned for her role as the titular hero in ‘Supergirl,’ recently appeared as a series regular in Netflix’s ‘The Waterfront.’ Both actors bring significant genre credibility to a series that is clearly embracing its speculative fiction roots.
Wood and Benoist will join previously announced cast member Julianna Margulies, the Emmy winner known for ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘ER,’ whose role remains undisclosed. Filming for season three is already in progress, with the renewal confirmed on March 17, 2026, just under two weeks after the season two finale aired. The returning cast includes Brown, Sarah Shahi, Thomas Doherty, Enuka Okuma, Aliyah Mastin, and Charlie Evans.
‘Paradise’ seasons one and two are currently available for streaming on Hulu, and with space now seemingly on the agenda, the show is challenging its audience to keep up. Share your thoughts in the comments about what roles you think Elijah Wood and Melissa Benoist will play in ‘Paradise’ season three.