Aldis Hodge Responds to James Patterson Turning Down Seven-Figure Deal for Refusing to Whitewash Alex Cross

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As a fan who deeply appreciates authentic representation, Aldis Hodge’s words resonate profoundly with me. His commitment to carrying the torch of truth and breaking stereotypes is truly inspiring. The way he honors the characters he portrays and the communities they represent is commendable.

As a devoted fan, I couldn’t help but be amazed when I learned that Aldis Hodge heard about James Patterson refusing a seven-figure offer for the Alex Cross series. Impressive, indeed!

The actor from the Prime Video series “Cross,” adapted from the bestselling books by a renowned author, revealed to Buzzfeed that he wasn’t aware of the author’s involvement until the news broke in The Hollywood Reporter in November.

He expressed a mix of astonishment, admiration, and pride regarding Patterson’s revelation. For him, assuming roles of authority or representation is not just an opportunity, but also a duty he feels privileged to undertake. He aspires to handle this responsibility appropriately.

As a gamer, I’ve been fortunate enough to join the right team on this captivating mystery-thriller series. Ben Watkins, our showrunner, has made it a priority to highlight and celebrate the richness of Black culture in unique and diverse ways that we don’t often get to experience or explore.

The “Black Adam” star commented, “He shaped the very essence of the show.” He expressed pride in working with a team that shares his values, particularly regarding cultural representation. Wearing those shoes is another chance for him to challenge stereotypes, truthfully portray our identity, and keep opening new opportunities. For him, that’s what it’s all about.

Hodge’s remarks follow a month since Patterson disclosed to THR that when he penned the initial Alex Cross novel, he wasn’t financially well-off. Then, Hollywood approached him, offering a substantial amount in the millions for the character rights, but with a condition attached.

As a gamer, I remember them requesting just a single alteration: they wanted Alex to be a Caucasian character instead. My response? A firm “No way.” It wasn’t easy, but I stood my ground.

It was several years before another chance like that presented itself to him. Later on, Paramount Studios approached him, and they collaborated on making two movies based on the character, with Morgan Freeman in the lead roles: ‘Kiss the Girls’ from 1997 and its sequel ‘Along Came a Spider’ in 2001.

When queried about his decision to not change the Black detective into a white character, he plainly responded, “That wasn’t his nature.

He remembered his childhood in the quaint town of Newburgh, New York, where he made friends with a Black chef named Laura. She was facing troubles at home with her spouse, which led to her staying with him and his household for about three to four years.

“Instead of what Hollywood portrayed, which often featured Sidney Poitier (a dignified actor) and movies with Black people carrying boom boxes, my personal experience in Newburgh was different. So, I chose to write about a family that I knew and the town I was familiar with.

Patterson is one of the executive producers for the Prime Video series created by Watkins, who recently shared with THR that he already has a four-year strategy for the reboot. He aims for the show to last 10 seasons, but he’s also made a four-year plan that involves some elements to honor the characters from the Alex Cross book series. While the stories will be new, Watkins wants to eventually connect these characters in some way, and he’s been subtly setting this up by planting seeds for it.

As a dedicated gamer, I’m thrilled to share that my favorite series, “Cross”, has been given the go-ahead for another exciting season! Now, I can catch all the episodes right at home, streaming instantly on Amazon Prime Video. It’s game on!

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2024-12-12 21:24