James Marsden Steps Into New Crime Drama Role With Distinct Parallels To Beloved Character
By Published Apr 9, 2026, 12:01 PM EDT Nick Bythrow is a Lead Writer for ScreenRant. He has been writing for the site since September 2026. He graduated from Hampshire College in 2026, where he triple majored in Journalism, Communications, and Media Studies. When he's not writing about TV and movies for ScreenRant and his blog, , Nick is penning speculative fiction and poetry on . He lives outside Boston, Massachusetts. Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap
James Marsden's new crime drama, which sports an 86% Rotten Tomatoes score from critics, is actually a surprisingly perfect replacement for his role in . The post-apocalyptic Hulu original series sees Marsden take on the role of President Cal Bradford, whose assassination is the inciting incident for the series' events. The investigate his death throughout season 1.
However, Cal continues to appear in flashbacks throughout the series, becoming established as a charismatic, laid-back president whose role as leader of the free world is something he never wanted. Despite often having a flippant attitude toward his job, he proves himself a natural leader who truly cares about the people of the United States and those close to him.
Even after by revealing who killed him, Cal is shown in additional flashbacks, elevating his status as a memorable hero in the series. However, his time in is much smaller. This leaves a gap where his likable presence used to be, something that leaves much to be desired in the newest episodes.
Luckily, Marsden has been added to the cast of season 2. The crime drama, which focuses on former financier Andrew "Coop" Cooper (Jon Hamm) robbing fellow rich people for money, sees Marsden join as Owen Ashe. Following the season premiere, he's already giving off similar vibes to Cal, making him a perfect replacement for Paradise's president.
How Your Friends & Neighbors’ Owen Ashe Is Like Paradise’s Cal Bradford
When first introduces Ashe, he pulls up in an expensive car, intent on looking at Sam's house to see if it's a worthy fit for his home. While he decides not to purchase it, he takes a liking to Sam, despite her reputation in town for framing Coop for her husband's death. Ashe eventually buys a $20 million home, with Sam attached as the realtor.
Ashe's willingness to befriend everyone is reminiscent of Cal, who quickly wanted to become friends with Xavier once he became head of his security detail. Another similarity to Cal is that Ashe wants to see people get along, even throwing a housewarming party for himself to bring the neighborhood together. Both characters enjoy seeing people happy and with one another.
At the party, he reveals his laid-back attitude when someone falls into his pool, deciding to jump in himself, encouraging others to do the same. Just like Cal, Ashe is the life of the party, bringing closer with his presence. The biggest difference between Cal and Ashe so far appears to be their circumstances.
Even Ashe's future in the show seems like it's going to parallel some attributes of what happens to Cal in Paradise. The post-apocalyptic series sees Cal and Xavier butt heads after the latter's wife, Teri, is presumed dead. While nothing so heart-rending may befall Your Friends & Neighbors, the show is hinting that Ashe and Coop may butt heads.
Your Friends & Neighbors Makes Ashe A Breath Of Fresh Air
What makes Ashe so special in Your Friends & Neighbors is that he's introduced as a new, friendly face that makes the story feel bigger thanks to his presence. The inclusive atmosphere of his party and how quickly he becomes friendly with everyone makes it clear how important his involvement will be as the crime drama's story continues.
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But this is just the start of how compelling Ashe is going to be. Your Friends & Neighbors season 2's trailer hints he's going to become involved with Coop's criminal schemes, becoming a dangerous ally in the process. Just what his bigger goals are remains to be seen, but it does hint at a twist to his character that makes him feel unique.
Luckily, Ashe's introduction in Your Friends & Neighbors still embodies elements of Paradise's Cal, thus making him a perfect replacement for the presidential character. His liveliness and ability to befriend anyone makes him compelling, but also mysterious, given how he'll eventually have a much bigger part to play in the core plot.
Cast
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Sterling K. Brown Xavier Collins -
Julianne Nicholson Samantha 'Sinatra' Redmond
Dan Fogelman Expand Collapse 
Cast
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Andrew Cooper -
Amanda Peet Mel Cooper
Jonathan Tropper Expand Collapse
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