New Prime Video Series Is A Whole New Take On Detective Alex Cross
Bringing a book series to the screen and satisfying the original audience is one of the hardest tasks in TV, but Ben Watkins and Aldis Hodge enthusiastically step up to the plate with Cross. They chose a fresh path, using familiar characters as the pillars of the story while creatively reimagining the narrative. Pop Culture Planet spoke with executive producer and showrunner Ben Watkins, producer and actor Aldis Hodge, along with actors Isaiah Mustafa, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, and Ryan Eggold at New York Comic Con.
One thing that’s absolutely clear about this upcoming Prime Video series is how much thought and consideration went into delivering for the audience — not just for James Patterson fans but for new viewers excited to see a complex character like Alex Cross on screen. Watkins recognizes the pressure from fan-based expectations, which he sees as both a privilege and a challenge. “I don’t want to create a superhero; we need to have a hero,” he said. “The difference to me is that a hero struggles and sometimes doesn’t win, but we can all relate to the struggle and that makes him accessible.”
By grounding this iconic character in struggle, Watkins aimed to make Alex Cross someone viewers can see themselves in. He explained, “Giving this Alex Cross a struggle he might not overcome, he might only learn to manage, that is something I think everyone can relate to.” In a time of possible superhero fatigue, Watkins is carving out a unique place for Alex Cross by focusing on the relatable over the invincible.
Audiences crave characters with genuine emotions and struggles, and Watkins was committed to creating “well-rounded” characters by drawing on the vulnerabilities of both the actors and their characters. He had a running joke — or perhaps a warning — on set: “If I find out something about you, I might use it against you.” The cast confirmed it’s always done thoughtfully to create authenticity. Mustafa joked, “If you have a conversation with him and he’s really listening, you’re like, ‘Uh-oh.’”
The story dives into a heavy story as Cross, suffering from the loss of his wife, is struggling emotionally. Hodge found it essential to explore this grief, particularly for Alex as a Black man and father. “I was able to understand and navigate what Cross was going through and where he was going because of the things I had personally been through,” he reflected, “and having a relationship with Sampson, Isaiah. where you’ve got your ace who tells you, ‘Man, you need help, and I’m here to help; just accept.’” This friendship is one of the most powerful storylines in the series. It’s rare to see men openly discuss mental health, hold each other accountable, and support one another. Hodge believed they beautifully portrayed this dynamic, saying, “We hold each other down off-camera, so the fact that we can bring that on screen is amazing.”
Walkes shared that playing Elle, Alex Cross’s love interest in a dark, complex world, taught her about balancing the humanity of each character in a relationship: “Remembering the humanity of each individual in that relationship, sometimes it’s not about you. It could feel like it’s about you. But it’s not.” She also praises the production team’s care for both characters and cast members, especially when tackling tough topics. “Our sister companies provided therapy and spaces and counsel so we can be healthy instruments for the art form,” Walkes noted. “So when we explore themes like suicide and social justice, we can bring our full selves to the work.”
The cast’s real emotions and experiences are a big part of how they connect with their characters, but there’s also a deep psychological aspect. “The hallmark of the Alex Cross series is the unique villains. There are great serial killers and villains, but what I love about it — and think is great for television — is that, in the books, you get into the mindset of these villains,” Watkins explained. “That’s one of the signature pieces of our show.”
The creators also went the extra mile to authentically portray D.C. Mustafa and Hodge spent ten days there, training and learning from locals. “We got to talk to real detectives about how they deal with what goes on in D.C.,” said Mustafa, revealing how valuable it was spending time with a local psychologist, “and how they shed that stuff to go home to their families.” Afterward, they hit up Ben’s Chili Bowl, adding an authentic D.C. flavor. This attention to D.C. culture shines throughout the series, with many nods to actual neighborhoods. Hodge emphasized, “The culture of D.C. has to permeate the show in order for it to feel real.” Watkins gave a special shoutout to Umar White, a producer who does “a D.C. pass” on every script, ensuring it stays true to the city. Watkins understands that authenticity comes from having people in the creative process who know the city firsthand.
With so many bases to cover, the Cross team is fully invested in getting this series right. The dedication seems to be paying off — Cross has already been renewed for a second season.
Cross premieres on November 14 on Prime Video.
