Standing Firm: Aldis Hodge Praises James Patterson’s Bold Stance on Alex Cross

Actor Reflects on the Power of Representation in Prime Video’s ‘Cross’

Aldis Hodge, star of Prime Video’s Cross, recently expressed admiration for author James Patterson’s resolute stand to preserve the racial identity of his iconic character, Alex Cross. The actor, who leads the thriller series adapted from Patterson’s bestselling novels, shared his thoughts in a conversation with Buzzfeed, following a revelation by Patterson reported in The Hollywood Reporter.

“I was shocked, impressed, and proud of that,” Hodge said, referencing Patterson’s decision to reject a seven-figure deal that required Alex Cross to be reimagined as a white man. “For me to step into these shoes, any time I step into a position of power or representation, it feels like a privilege and a responsibility. I just want to carry that the right way.”

Hodge credited showrunner Ben Watkins for weaving cultural celebration into the fabric of Cross. “He prioritized celebrating all of the assets and facets of the Black community in ways we haven’t really seen,” Hodge noted. “I’m proud to be with a team that believes in the same values that I do, especially when it comes to representation. Stepping into Alex Cross’s shoes is another opportunity to disprove stereotypes, represent the truth of who we are, and open doors of opportunity.”

Patterson’s commitment to authenticity in storytelling came into focus last month when he recalled a pivotal moment in his career. When Hollywood first expressed interest in adapting his debut Alex Cross novel, the offer came with a condition: change the character’s race. Patterson’s response was a resounding refusal.

“They said, ‘We just want one change; we want Alex to be a white guy,’” Patterson recalled. “And I said, ‘Fuck you.’ It was painful, but I did it.”

Patterson’s decision delayed Cross’s cinematic debut, but it ultimately paved the way for films like Kiss the Girls (1997) and Along Came a Spider (2001), both starring Morgan Freeman as the titular detective. Patterson’s connection to the character’s identity was deeply personal, rooted in his upbringing in Newburgh, New York.

“Growing up, I saw a lot of nuanced and dignified people in my community that didn’t align with Hollywood’s narrow portrayal of Black characters,” he explained. “So I started writing about the family I knew and the town I grew up in.”

As an executive producer of Prime Video’s Cross, Patterson continues to collaborate closely with Watkins, who envisions a long-term trajectory for the series. “We already have a four-year plan,” Watkins said, emphasizing his desire to honor characters from the books while creating fresh narratives.

With the series already renewed for a second season, all episodes of Cross are now streaming on Prime Video, signaling a new era for Patterson’s groundbreaking detective and the enduring importance of authentic representation in entertainment.