*Prime Video’s latest series, “Cross,” is a fresh, thrilling adaptation of James Patterson’s beloved Alex Cross series. Aldis Hodge (‘Black Adam,’ ‘Leverage’) is both the series lead and executive producer; with creator Ben Watkins (‘Burn Notice’) at the helm.
“Cross” is already generating buzz for its intense storytelling, complex character dynamics, and deeply layered portrayal of Alex Cross, the iconic detective and forensic psychologist. This series has already been picked up for season two before the first has even aired and expands on Patterson’s original books, weaving in contemporary themes and unexplored aspects of Cross’s world.
In an exclusive interview, Hodge and Watkins share their approach to portraying the celebrated detective, tapping into both Alex’s intellectual prowess and personal warmth.
“From the producer’s standpoint, it’s about overseeing the show’s entirety, making sure everyone shines. When I came to this role, I knew it would be a learning experience that would make me a stronger performer and a better producer,” Hodge said, reflecting on his role both on and off the screen. He emphasizes the collaborative spirit on set, particularly with Isaiah Mustafa, who plays Alex’s childhood best friend and partner, John Sampson. “The relationship you see on screen isn’t fabricated; it reflects our respect for each other as men and as artists. We push each other to go further, which makes the on-screen bond even more real.”
Ben Watkins, the showrunner, had a clear vision for distinguishing “Cross” from previous adaptations. With three Alex Cross films already out there and over 30 books in Patterson’s series, Watkins wanted to dive into the facets of Cross’s character often sidelined in traditional cinematic storytelling.
“What can I bring to the table to make it worth it?” Watkins recalled asking himself. “The books offer details on Alex’s family, his home life in D.C., and his close bond with John Sampson. We have eight episodes in our series, so we can explore these elements and create a story that’s fresh and connected to our times.”
One bold choice was not adapting any specific book but instead creating a new mystery for the series that resonates with contemporary themes.
“I wanted the flexibility to reflect on today’s world rather than staying tied to a past era. So, we created an updated Cross who remains authentically Black and combines charisma, physicality, and intellect,” Watkins explained. He highlights that while Cross’s genius and intense ability to dismantle psychopaths are intact, this iteration also brings forward his relatable, grounded humanity.
As for Hodge, portraying such an iconic character meant delving into Alex’s complexities. He was drawn to the “rich narrative and powerful character relationships” the series offered, which allowed him to explore Alex not just as a detective but as a man with close familial and romantic connections. “The audience wants to see these layers, to live in the world of these characters,” he noted. And with “Cross” already renewed for a second season, viewers will indeed have more opportunities to dive deeper into the lives of these characters.
Viewers can stream “Cross” on Prime Video starting Thursday, November 14.
Jill Munroe is a Los Angeles-bred entertainment journalist, producer, and host. You can follow her on all social media @StilettoJill or check out JillMunroe.com
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