Shailene Woodley (Big Little Lies, The Fault in Our Stars) is celebrating an Emmy nomination after leaving a lasting impression on Paradise, despite appearing in only four episodes. Speaking with Deadline, Woodley reflected on earning a nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Annie Clay in Season two of Hulu’s Paradise.

Although Annie’s story was always meant to be brief, Woodley said she immediately wanted to join the series. “I’m just such a fan of Sterling [K. Brown] and Dan Fogelman. I just think everything he creates is gold,” Woodley said to Deadline. “I loved the first season, and so when Dan contacted me about being a part of the second season, I was so excited.”

Even after learning Annie would only appear in a handful of episodes, Woodley said she never questioned the opportunity. “I honestly was just so, so excited to have the opportunity to work with all of them, and I loved every moment of it.”

Woodley also praised the atmosphere on set, calling Paradise one of the most enjoyable productions of her career. She credited co-star Sterling K. Brown (This Is Us, American Fiction) for helping create a welcoming environment, saying there was “just no drama” throughout filming and describing Brown as “so silly, goofy and playful” when the cameras were off.

Looking back on Annie’s story, Woodley believes audiences connected with the character because of her resilience and determination to protect the people she loved. She also felt the show’s themes resonated with viewers who experienced isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think going into a form of isolation in the real world and then seeing it portrayed on TV, albeit in this sort of sci-fi elevation, I think hit people in a meaningful way,” she said.

Although Annie’s fate appeared to be sealed in season two, Woodley admitted she has not stopped asking the creator, Dan Fogelman (This Is Us, Pitch), about bringing the character back.

Woodley is already looking ahead to another Hulu project, Count My Lies, where she stars alongside Lindsay Lohan (Mean Girls, Freaky Friday). She described her new character, Sloane Caraway, as unlike anyone she has portrayed before, saying she “completely fell in love” with the role and enjoyed working alongside Lohan.