After multiple unsuccessful attempts to bring James Patterson’s renowned Alex Cross thriller franchise to the big screen, Prime Video is stepping in with a new series, “Cross,” starring Aldis Hodge. The show is set to premiere on Thursday, offering a fresh take on the iconic detective.
Hodge, known for diverse roles such as hacker Alec Hardison in “Leverage” and assistant district attorney Decourcy Ward in “City on a Hill,” reveals that playing Alex Cross is an entirely different challenge. He emphasizes the depth of emotion and character development his role demands. “In this case, it’s no-holds-barred,” Hodge shared. The series promises to delve into both the darker and lighter aspects of Cross’s life, including his relationship with his children who are navigating the grief of their mother’s murder.
Showrunner Ben Watkins aims to create a comprehensive world around the character. Drawing from Patterson’s expansive writings, he believes previous adaptations lacked the depth necessary to fully portray Cross’s universe. This new series allows for a more intricate exploration of Cross’s life, his family dynamics, and his role within the community of Washington, D.C.
“The early Alex Cross books really tell a bigger picture of the character and the world,” Watkins explained. He sees the opportunity to showcase not only thrilling narratives but also a profound character study that examines who Alex Cross is in 2024.
The character has been portrayed in films by notable actors such as Morgan Freeman and Tyler Perry. However, Watkins describes his adaptation as a modern reinterpretation that emphasizes Cross’s charisma, authenticity, and complexity as a Black man. Hodge’s representation of Cross as a loving father counters common stereotypes about Black fatherhood, which he and Watkins aim to challenge through the series.
Moreover, the series does not shy away from addressing the complex relationship between law enforcement and the Black community, positioning itself as reflective of contemporary issues. “If you tiptoe around the fact that that tension is there, then the audience is going to know you’re lying,” Watkins remarked.
Overall, “Cross” is positioned not only as a gripping thriller but also as a deeper exploration of character, family, and societal dynamics in today’s world. Viewers can look forward to an engaging narrative that respects the source material while also breathing new life into the character of Alex Cross. This new series represents a hopeful step forward in depicting multi-dimensional characters within the African American community and addressing pertinent social themes.
In essence, “Cross” appears to be a compelling addition to the landscape of crime dramas, with potential for both thrills and meaningful conversation.