How ‘Cross’ Connects to James Pattersons Novels

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As a long-time fan of James Patterson’s gripping detective series, I can confidently say that Aldis Hodge’s portrayal of Alex Cross in the Prime Video original “Cross” is nothing short of exceptional. Having grown up reading these thrilling novels and marveling at Morgan Freeman’s portrayal of the character in the 1997 film “Kiss the Girls,” I must admit that Hodge has surpassed even my highest expectations.

In an exciting twist, the crime thriller on Prime Video titled “Cross” breathes new life into the popular James Patterson character once more. The talented Aldis Hodge from “Leverage” steps into the electrifying role of Alex Cross, a D.C. forensic psychologist and detective. This much-anticipated series follows Cross as he delves deep into the minds of deadly killers and their victims, using his extraordinary ability to unmask and apprehend some of America’s most vicious criminals.

The thrilling debut of “Cross” will encompass eight episodes during its inaugural season and has been granted approval for a second season continuation, potentially mirroring the success of another book adaptation on Prime Video, “Reacher.” Previously, the resolute detective was portrayed in three films that received mixed reviews. Notably, acting legends Morgan Freeman and Tyler Perry have both taken on the challenging role from the James Patterson books. Now, let’s delve into how this new series will align with the original novels.

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Aldis Hodge Headlines the Gripping Crime Thriller

Showcase the versatility of rising star Aldis Hodge, who continues to demonstrate his immense acting talent and regrettably underappreciated leading man status, as he takes on the captivating role of Alex Cross, a detective with the Metropolitan Police Department. The upcoming Amazon Prime Video original series, titled “Cross“, will center around this tenacious D.C. detective and forensic psychologist who boasts an extraordinary ability to expertly explore the haunting minds of the world’s most vicious killers and their victims, ultimately leading to the apprehension and identification of the perpetrators.

Following the tragic killing of his wife Maria a year ago, Alex has been working closely with his friend and partner John Sampson to tackle cases and catch criminals. Despite wanting some time off from his demanding job to sort out his personal life, he is drawn back in, this time investigating a possible BLM-related death case. As he delves into the mystery of The Fanboy serial killer, he starts receiving threats connected to his wife’s murder.

How Cross Relates to the Bestselling Patterson Series

In contrast to numerous book-to-TV adaptations, the team behind Cross decided not to follow a single novel from James Patterson’s renowned series. Instead, they chose to construct an entirely new universe, drawing inspiration from the clever detective at its core. As Aldis Hodge, the series creator, puts it, “Ben Watkins felt driven to mold the foundation of that world into a captivating narrative,” ensuring viewers remain engaged as they immerse themselves in Cross’ valiant pursuit of dangerous criminals. Watkins opted against basing the show’s seasons on the existing books, sharing with Entertainment Weekly before Cross’ premiere that he aimed to offer something fresh and exciting for audiences.

I believed it was crucial to present fans with something fresh, while ensuring the characters and setting remained faithful to their expectations. Simultaneously, I aimed to introduce a novel narrative.

Though the storylines in the crime thriller may be entirely original, the essence of Alex Cross remains present in Cross as he fearlessly delves into the psychosis of serial killers and their prey, with the brilliant forensic psychologist relying on his keen skills and intellect to catch the criminals with the help of his right-hand-man John Sampson. Cross’ job, workplace, and personal life will also be familiar for longtime fans of the Patterson novels, as the widower and doting father attempts to juggle his professional obligations and his responsibilities to his two children, Janelle and Damon.

In Hodge’s portrayal of Cross, his character is driven by an intense compulsion to shield the innocent and also by his deep affection for his family. The D.C. detective grapples with the profound grief over the loss of his wife Maria and feels like he’s failed because he couldn’t prevent her from meeting a terrible end. In both the books and TV series, Cross’ tough-as-nails grandmother Nana Mama (Juanita Jennings) plays a significant role. Viewers will appreciate getting acquainted with both familiar and fresh faces in this edge-of-your-seat thriller. Patterson himself is elated about Cross and Aldis Hodge’s captivating portrayal of the indelible protagonist, expressing great enthusiasm about the series and the actor by saying:

I had high expectations for the show to stand independently from the book, and it has surpassed them.

Alex Cross Remains a Hollywood Go-To

Enthusiasts of James Patterson and his thrilling book series are eagerly awaiting the release of Cross, as there’s a lot of excitement online about this new original work and how the detective’s captivating tale will play out on the screen. Ever since his debut novel was released in 1993, Patterson’s novels have been delighting readers with their compelling stories. The massive success of Along Came a Spider spawned numerous sequels, three blockbuster movie adaptations, and the eagerly awaited Amazon Prime Video production.

Morgan Freeman initially played the complex character of the persistent forensic psychologist and detective in the 1997 neo-noir psychological thriller “Kiss the Girls”. In this tense film, he starred alongside Ashley Judd and Cary Elwes. Freeman’s powerful portrayal of the cunning and experienced character Cross drew acclaim, but the movie received mixed reviews from critics, nonetheless managing to gross $60.5 million. He reprised his role for the 2001 sequel “Along Came a Spider”, which was popular among audiences, raking in over $105 million at the box office.

12 years ago, I, a passionate moviegoer, took on the challenge of bringing the iconic character Alex Cross to life in the action-packed thriller “Alex Cross,” inspired by the novel “Cross” in 2012. Regrettably, this endeavor didn’t resonate with either audiences or critics, earning it a less-than-stellar reception and turning into a flop at the box office. Now, it seems that the detective has found new life in a television series, where Aldis Hodge’s portrayal is receiving rave reviews. As of now, Cross boasts an impressive 75% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus praising Hodge as “the most captivating embodiment of James Patterson’s literary creation yet.

Stream Cross on Prime Video.

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2024-11-17 01:33