Prime Video’s adaptation of the James Patterson series, The Cross, hasn’t been released yet, but it’s already showing impressive results. This is one of the rare shows to be renewed for season 2 before season 1 premieres, demonstrating the highest level of confidence in how Alex Cross’ new spin will work for viewers. This is even more impressive considering the state of the industry, where studios are increasingly taking chances and overcommitting unless a project has a history of success. In a conversation with Perry Nemiroff in Collider’s interview studio at New York Comic Con, series creator and showrunner Ben Watkins talked about what the renewal means to him and his involvement in making it happen. He said how important everyone is.
Indeed, thanks to the popularity of Patterson’s best-selling crime thriller novel series, two moderately successful films starring Morgan Freeman, and the much-maligned reboot starring Tyler Perry, Cross enjoys plenty of public recognition. There is. But on screen at least, the series has been dormant since 2012, and even the film adaptations that exist don’t have the best reputation. This left Watkins and his team with the huge challenge of creating a series worthy of this beloved Metropolitan Police detective. The effort began with casting SAG Award winner and Black Adam star Aldis Hodge in the title role, but the effort also included casting the series on set to ensure it was of the highest quality. It extended to everyone who showed up and worked behind the scenes. .
Watkins said he was “blown away” when he first heard the news of the renovation. “You don’t see that very often. I think at first it was complete shock and excitement.” But his mind quickly turned to the cast and crew. While Amazon deserves some credit for showing faith in their work, Watkins said the bulk of the praise lies in the fact that the TV show’s long, grueling run had the same level of energy and inspiration as the first. He said the award will be given to all staff members who endured the work.
“The second thing was an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Not only for Amazon to show such confidence in our show and what we’ve accomplished, but also for them to support us in the future. They showed us what they expected from us as well. They were willing to make something like that.” I really appreciate the people who made the show. It’s very difficult to get a show through, let alone a network that would greenlight a second season before the first one gets canceled. We have a core cast here, and I came up with the original vision for this version, but I have to talk about all the other writers who brought their blood, sweat, and tears to this production. I have to talk about the directors who helped elevate everything, and the production team who found ways to get time and money that didn’t really exist. A staff member has to come out and talk about acting this way. If you’ve ever been on TV or in a movie, it’s hard not to know how sometimes people can get a little sarcastic or just start punching the clock. Here, people showed up every day to inspire and uplift us. I think that’s what really came through on screen. And now, thanks to that, we were able to get season 2. ”
What is a “cross”?
Image via Prime Video
Cross keeps his cards close to his vest, as he becomes a gritty, edgy character who outsmarts criminals and solves gruesome cases by diving into the psychology of suspects and victims. You can expect it. He faces each crime with grace and charisma, but in season 1 he’s at his lowest. While confronting his own inner turmoil, Cross attempts to turn the tables on a violent man who wants him and his family dead. Hodge told Collider’s Christina Radish earlier this year, “As far as TV series go, I will say this is my favorite TV series. I mean, honestly, in terms of character development, this is really… Seriously, it was awesome.”
Hodge headlines a call sheet that also includes Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Samantha Woakes, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford and Ryan Eggold. When the show returns for a second season, it’s already set to have a big injection of star power, with horror favorite Matthew Lillard set to join the cast alongside Wes Chatham and Janine Mason. The staff includes Craig Siebels, Stacey Muhammad, and Njinha Stewart as directors, along with Patterson, Siebels, Sam Ernst, Jim Dunn, Bill Robinson, Patrick Santa, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Bill.・Bost will be in charge of producing.
“Cross” will premiere all eight episodes of Season 1 on November 14th. Check out more coverage from NYCC throughout the weekend here on Collider.
After the tragic loss of his wife, detective and forensic psychologist Alex Cross returns from family leave to track down a dangerous serial killer. The series is set in Washington, D.C., and follows Cross as he uses his expertise to delve into the minds of criminals. Amazon’s film adaptation promises a combination of psychological intrigue and intense crime-solving drama, fusing elements of James Patterson’s book with an innovative storyline.
Release date: November 14, 2024
Cast Aldis Hodge, Jennifer Wigmore, Mercedes de la Zerda, Sharon Taylor, Siobhan Murphy, Stacey Greenwell, Ashley Rios, Matthew Lillard
Main genre crime
season 1
