With a number one film sitting high atop the box office charts, Black Adam star Aldis Hodge is making moves to bring more iconic action figures to screens. According to reports, Hodge is starring in Amazon Studios‘ Alex Cross series based on the best-selling book series of the same name by James Patterson. Said to be a “complex and twisted thriller,” Hodge plays the title’s lead character, Alex Cross.
Created by producer and writer Ben Watkins, Alex Cross focuses on Cross, a detective and forensic psychologist able to see inside the minds of his suspects. A complex figure in his line of work, Cross is also a caring father who prioritizes his family. As Cross hunts killers, he uncovers parts of himself that make him a prisoner of his own mind. When his wife’s murder leaves him paralyzed with grief, Cross contemplates loving again while bringing peace to the victims he wants to avenge.
Watkins will showrun and executive produce alongside Sam Ernst, Jim Dunn, and Craig Siebels. Patterson, Bill Robinson, and Patrick Santa executive produce through James Patterson Entertainment, with David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Bill Bost executive producing via Skydance Television.
“James Patterson is among the best at captivating audiences with his undeniably enthralling novels and we are confident that with Ben Watkins’ artistic vision, Cross will do the same for our global customers,” said Vernon Sanders, Head of Global Television at Amazon Studios. “We are proud to work with James and Ben alongside Paramount Television, Skydance, and the extremely talented Aldis Hodge, who we know will do an exceptional job of bringing Alex Cross to life.”
Alex Cross is no stranger to adaptations. Morgan Freeman played the character in 1997’s Kiss the Girls and again in 2001 for Along Came a Spider. Tyler Perry played the character in 2012 for the Rob Cohen-directed feature film. The series’ episodic format should allow the character to breathe, adding more nuance and motivation to his actions. Hodge is one of Hollywood’s hottest actors, and Alex Cross feels like a prime opportunity for him to take the spotlight and run with it.
