Kris Marshall Reveals Why He’ll Stay in Beyond Paradise Longer Than Death in Paradise

 Kris Marshall Reveals Why He’ll Stay in Beyond Paradise Longer Than Death in Paradise 

Kris Marshall has captured the hearts of fans ever since he first stepped into the role of Detective Humphrey Goodman in Death in Paradise. Now, as the lead in Beyond Paradise, the actor has opened up about why he envisions staying in this spin-off for much longer than his original stint in the parent series.

During a recent set visit for Season 3, Marshall shared insights into his journey with Beyond Paradise, explaining why this show offers more creative opportunities compared to his time on Death in Paradise.

Kris Marshall’s Long-Term Commitment to Beyond Paradise

Marshall originally joined Death in Paradise in 2014, taking over as the island detective following Ben Miller’s departure. His portrayal of the quirky yet brilliant Humphrey Goodman became an instant hit, but his time in Saint Marie lasted only three seasons. In contrast, he’s already into his third season of Beyond Paradise, and according to him, he has no plans to leave anytime soon.

“Humphrey Has More Room to Grow”

Speaking to Yahoo UK and other media outlets, Marshall emphasized how Beyond Paradise allows him to explore Humphrey in ways that weren’t possible before.

“I'm still finding new aspects to Humphrey,” Marshall shared. “As long as he continues to evolve, I’m happy to keep playing him. When I first started, it was 11 years ago—now, I’m in my fifties. The character has to grow with me.”

Unlike Death in Paradise, which primarily focuses on standalone murder mysteries, Beyond Paradise takes a deeper dive into the personal lives of its characters. For Marshall, this change has made all the difference in how he connects with the role.

A More Personal Journey for Humphrey Goodman

One of the biggest differences between the two shows is how Beyond Paradise delves into Humphrey’s life outside of work, particularly his relationship with Martha Lloyd (played by Sally Bretton). Marshall finds this storytelling approach more rewarding and believes it adds longevity to his role.

“With Beyond Paradise, it’s not just about the cases—it’s about Humphrey’s personal struggles, his relationship with Martha, and their journey as a childless couple,” he explained. “It’s a dynamic that keeps evolving, which makes it exciting for me as an actor.”

How Beyond Paradise Allows for More Growth

Marshall has also pointed out how Beyond Paradise offers a greater level of creative freedom compared to Death in Paradise. While the latter followed a more formulaic structure, Beyond Paradise allows for deeper storytelling and character arcs.

“With Death in Paradise, it was fantastic fun, but I felt like there was a limit to what we could do with Humphrey,” he admitted. “Now, we get to explore his emotions, his vulnerabilities, and his life beyond just solving crimes. That’s what makes Beyond Paradise special.”

Co-Stars Agree: Beyond Paradise Has Staying Power

Marshall isn’t the only one who believes Beyond Paradise has the potential for a long run. His co-star Zahra Ahmadi, who plays DS Esther Williams, echoed his sentiments in a separate interview.

“I think Beyond Paradise could last just as long as Death in Paradise, if not longer,” Ahmadi said. “There’s still so much to uncover about these characters, and the show has a perfect blend of crime-solving and character-driven drama.”

Ahmadi also highlighted the joy of working on the series, praising the ensemble cast, which includes Sally Bretton, Dylan Llewellyn, and Felicity Montagu.

“We’ve got the most incredible cast and crew, and we love working together. If we get the chance, I’d absolutely love to do 14 seasons of this!” she added.

What’s Next for Beyond Paradise?

With Season 3 already confirmed, fans can expect even more emotional depth and gripping cases. Marshall has hinted at further evolution for Humphrey’s character, suggesting that new challenges await him and Martha.

As Beyond Paradise continues to carve out its own identity separate from Death in Paradise, it’s clear that the show is far from slowing down. And with Marshall’s enthusiasm for the role, fans can rest assured that Humphrey Goodman’s journey is far from over.

FAQ

1. Why did Kris Marshall leave Death in Paradise?
Marshall left Death in Paradise after three seasons to spend more time with his family. The filming schedule in Guadeloupe made it challenging to balance work and personal life.

2. Will Beyond Paradise have more seasons?
Yes! Season 3 has already been confirmed, and the cast is enthusiastic about continuing the series for many more years.

3. How is Beyond Paradise different from Death in Paradise?
While Death in Paradise focuses on weekly murder cases, Beyond Paradise explores more character-driven storylines, particularly Humphrey’s personal life and relationships.

4. Is Sally Bretton returning as Martha?
Yes, Sally Bretton will continue playing Martha, and her relationship with Humphrey remains a core part of the series.

5. Where can I watch Beyond Paradise?
The show airs on BBC One and is available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.