Exclusive Interview: Cross Showrunner Ben Watkins Discusses Aldis Hodge – “Born to Play This Role”

In the 1990s, author James Patterson introduced readers to Alex Cross, a detective renowned for his forensic psychology expertise and his skill in capturing the most cunning and disturbed serial killers. This iconic character has inspired three major motion pictures: Kiss The Girls, Along Came a Spider, and Alex Cross, with the brilliant Morgan Freeman portraying the detective in the first two installments.

Now, Prime Video is bringing Alex Cross back to life with a fresh adaptation called Cross, set for a modernized release in 2024. Aldis Hodge steps into the shoes of this beloved character in the latest rendition.

What sets Aldis Hodge’s portrayal of Alex Cross apart from Morgan Freeman’s?

When showrunner Ben Watkins was probed about the distinctiveness of the current portrayal of Cross compared to the intellect-driven investigator beloved by fans, his response was enlightening:

“That’s an insightful question. I believe these are two entirely different interpretations. Movies and television are worlds apart. Additionally, we are in a different era. This iteration of Alex Cross feels fresh and introduces exciting new elements that I’m thrilled about.”

Watkins continued by discussing how Hodge’s performance diverges from Freeman’s celebrated version:

“In my opinion, Aldis Hodge was destined for this role. Being mentioned alongside Morgan Freeman is a significant compliment, and he absolutely deserves this recognition.”

James Patterson’s novels have reached millions globally, making the Alex Cross series among the best-selling fictional works ever. Watkins elaborated on the challenge of reshaping this story for a new medium:

“It’s an incredible opportunity but comes with the obligation to honor the legacy of a series with such a vast fanbase. Nevertheless, I quickly shifted my focus to the potential this project holds. As an artist, I prefer not to let fear guide my work.”

Despite the challenges, Watkins embraced the opportunity to breathe new life into the adaptation.

“My aim is to be driven by inspiration. So, I devoted myself to exploring how to effectively carry the legacy forward, starting with immersing myself in the books to understand the character more profoundly.”

Watkins acknowledged that a television format allows for deeper exploration of elements that may be less feasible in film:

“With the expanded format, we have the space to dive deeper into characters and flesh them out. This includes not just briefly mentioning his family but genuinely developing their roles and exploring his romantic relationships and friendship with John Sampson.”

This new series features an ensemble cast, including Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford, and Ryan Eggold. Additionally, the show has been granted a second season renewal prior to the premiere of its inaugural season.

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