Author James Patterson introduced the Alex Cross character in his 1993 novel Along Came a Spider.
Over the decades, Alex Cross has evolved, transitioning from the pages of Patterson’s novels into screen portrayals by Morgan Freeman, Tyler Perry, and now, Aldis Hodge.
The first time Alex Cross graced the screen was in 1997’s Kiss the Girls, with the incomparable Freeman leading the way.
Patterson recently revealed that he turned down a seven-figure offer to adapt his Alex Cross book series—because Hollywood wanted to whitewash his character. He stood firm in his vision, ensuring the detective remained the complex and dynamic Black character he envisioned.
“When I wrote the first Alex Cross book, I didn’t have a lot of money and Hollywood came calling — knock, knock, knock, knock, knock, Patterson shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “They offered seven figures, and I did not have a lot of money. They said, ‘We just want one change; we want Alex to be a white guy.’ And I said, ‘F*** you.’ It was painful, but I did it. So we didn’t sell it right away. But a few years later, Paramount came, so we did a couple of movies with Morgan.”
Freeman brought a quiet intensity to the character, showcasing intellect as his greatest weapon.
His Alex Cross wasn’t just solving crimes; he was dissecting the minds of criminals with surgical precision, unraveling their darkest secrets while holding firm to his own moral compass. Freeman’s portrayal was calm and commanding—characteristics emblematic of the 1990s but not often seen in Black characters of that era.
He gave us a Black protagonist who not only inspired respect but also set a standard for representation in law enforcement roles.
Fast forward to 2012, Perry stepped into Cross’s shoes in Alex Cross, a bold departure from Freeman’s version. Perry, known for his comedic roles and the Madea franchise, faced skepticism when cast as the younger, more action-oriented detective.
But Perry’s Alex Cross was deeply personal. The film focused on the character’s vulnerabilities and the emotional toll of his work. The film’s plot had Cross battling his wits with a psychopathic killer who targeted his family. While Perry’s performance didn’t resonate with everyone, it was a bold and unfiltered take, showing Cross in a way we hadn’t seen before.
And now, the baton has been passed to Hodge in Prime Video’s Cross. The Alex Cross franchise has transitioned to TV, in true streaming world fashion. Hodge breathes fresh life into the character, making him more relatable and multidimensional than ever.
For younger viewers, this series serves as an introduction to a detective who’s both brilliant and deeply human. For longtime fans, it’s a reimagining that goes deeper into the complexities of a Black man navigating crime fatherhood, and relationships.
The series perfectly blends Freeman and Perry’s interpretations of the character, intertwining the detective’s skills with the complexities of being a Black man in one compelling story—and more. Prime Video’s original is an outstanding adaptation of the book’s version of the character, while also filling in some of the narrative gaps from the source material.
The series addresses systemic issues while also exploring Cross’s personal struggles as a father and a lover. It’s a layered portrayal that feels authentic and timely.
Hodge gives a lot of credit to Ben Watson, the showrunner of the series.
“I feel like this show serves as an extension of being able to explore the world of Cross. I feel like we’re inviting people to every bit of Cross because Ben Watkins took the lines that were written in between the words in the books, and he brought that to the forefront in its full capacity,” Hodge explains in an interview with The Quintessential Gentleman.
The series offers a more complete picture of Alex Cross than ever before, blending action, intellect, and emotional complexity into a character that feels real and relevant. Hodge has redefined the character for a new generation. While Alex Cross may evolve, his essence as a brilliant, resilient and deeply human figure remains timeless.
With a second season already greenlit, we can’t wait to see more of Hodge’s Alex Cross.
