It’s been over four years since Variety exclusively reported the news that a TV series based on James Patterson’s “Alex Cross” books was in the works. Finally, fans have a first look at Aldis Hodge in the title role.
Amazon released a trailer for “Cross” at its 2024 upfront presentation, during which the company also confirmed previous reports that the series had already scored a Season 2 renewal.
“Cross,” which will premiere on Prime Video later this year, stars Aldis Hodge as a detective and forensic psychologist known for his ability to dig into the psyches of criminals and their victims. The cast also includes Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford, Ryan Eggold and Johnny Ray Gill. Season 2 will see the addition of Wes Chatham, Matthew Lillard and Jeanine Mason, with Gill being upped to a series regular.
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“Who are you?” a voice asks at the opening of the trailer. After a series of clips show snippets of Cross at work and with his family, and another voice describes him as “Metro P.D.’s golden boy,” he answers with a grin, “You can call me Detective Alex Cross.”
Speeding cars, rooms on fire and police chases fill the rest of the trailer, which closes with Cross standing over a man who is seated in an interrogation room. “You’re not getting a confession. You’re not in my head,” the man says. “Oh, I’m definitely living rent free,” Cross retorts.
“Cross” is produced by Amazon MGM Studios, Paramount Television Studios and Skydance Television. Season 1 is executive produced by creator and showrunner Ben Watkins via his Blue Monday Productions banner. Executive producers also include Jim Dunn, Sam Ernst and Craig Siebels as well as Patterson, Bill Robinson and Patrick Santa on behalf of James Patterson Entertainment and David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Matt Thunell on behalf of Skydance. For Season 2, Dunn and Ernst have joined Watkins as co-showrunners, with J. David Shanks, Aiyana White and Hodge added to the executive producing team.
“Bringing one of James Patterson’s most iconic literary characters to life for our global Prime Video
customers was a dream come true, and we can’t wait for everyone to see Aldis Hodge’s dynamic
performance as Cross,” said Vernon Sanders, head of television at Amazon MGM Studios. “Ben Watkins
and his team have created something unique within the crime-thriller genre that long-time fans and
newcomers alike will all enjoy. And with over thirty novels written by Patterson featuring Alex Cross as
his main protagonist, it was an easy choice to bring ‘Cross’ back for a second season.”
“I am thrilled to be embarking on another chapter of ‘Cross.’ Moments like this don’t happen by accident,” said Watkins. “Getting a Season 2 pick-up before our first season even drops is a huge testament and vote of confidence in the amazing work that our crew, cast, directors, writers and production team have delivered thus far. It’s also a direct result of the unwavering support bestowed upon us by Prime Video and our producing partners at Paramount TV Studios, Skydance and James Patterson Entertainment. I am grateful for all of the above and can’t wait to run it back even bigger and better.”
See the trailer below.
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