I absolutely admire the resilience and dedication shown by this actor as he braved through the freezing Canadian winter to bring Alex Cross to life on screen. The character’s journey, both physically and emotionally, is a testament to his talent as an actor. However, it seems that his real challenge was not the harsh weather, but rather the unrelenting coldness of Toronto itself!
⚠️ Attention: The following narrative may reveal plot points from Season 1 of the series “Cross,” currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Proceed with caution if you wish to avoid spoilers!
For Aldis Hodge, playing a character already depicted by various actors in different adaptations wasn’t a simple feat. Instead of getting influenced by previous portrayals, he chose a direct approach: He decided not to watch those earlier adaptations.
Even though Hodge had knowledge about detective Alex Cross and the world crafted by James Patterson as early as 1993, he didn’t feel compelled to watch the movies based on the character. (Morgan Freeman played the role in “Kiss the Girls” in 1997 and reprised it for its sequel, “Along Came a Spider,” in 2001. Later, in 2012, Tyler Perry assumed the role in the movie named “Alex Cross.”)
Here I delve into my approach of unearthing the emotional depth within a character, share my insights on the intricate web of narratives woven across the series, hint at the foundations laid for Season 2, and more. (In the first person perspective as an admirer might say: “I explore my method of uncovering a character’s emotional layers, I discuss the intertwined plotlines that run through this season, I offer glimpses into what we can expect for Season 2, and much more.”)
James Patterson created Alex Cross in 1993. The character’s story spans multiple books, and has been adapted into movies with the role played by Tyler Perry and Morgan Freeman. What was your introduction to this world?
Prior to landing the role, I knew of the character but hadn’t read the books or watched the movies. As a kid, I recall snippets from Mr. Freeman’s work, but wasn’t permitted to watch them at that time. My understanding was shaped through conversations with showrunner Ben Watkins and James Patterson about their intentions and vision. It was gratifying to approach the role with a blank slate and develop it organically. Throughout the first season, I didn’t read anything, even going into the second season, as I wanted to maintain that fresh perspective. Any questions I had were directed straight to Ben and James. Once I felt I had done my part, I began reading the books, which I found quite engaging!
Yes, they are! So, you still haven’t watched any of the movies?
In any work I undertake, I prefer to establish a boundary to ensure smooth execution. This way, as progress unfolds, there’s no obstacle or hindrance disrupting my own flow. I strive for self-reliance, maintaining an organic approach free from external interference. Essentially, it’s about safeguarding the persona I portray and the creative journey I embark on.
This Alex Cross is more political than in the books. He’s a Black Lives Matter hero and obviously faces a lot of struggles with that being in the police force. Was that always part of the character?
I’d like to rephrase your statement in a more straightforward and accessible manner:
Season 1 follows tracks two very different cases: The question of who killed Cross’ wife Maria (Chaunteé Schuler Irving), and the Fanboy killer, played by Ryan Eggold. Was it always the plan from the start to have two parallel stories, rather than one?
The origins of this can be traced back to the start, and it’s something you should discuss with Ben. For my part, I observed it from the early stages and found myself questioning. I thought, “How will they manage to balance all this content in just eight episodes?” It’s incredibly dense with story, but they pull it off smoothly without making viewers feel lost or confused. Each question raised is answered, and those left unanswered are intentional. It’s almost like a game between the creators and the audience — they involve, not dominate, the audience. The audience becomes enmeshed in the mystery along with everyone else. I believe the goal was to create a richly layered narrative.
Let’s talk about your character and Ryan Eggold’s character’s relationship — specifically at the Ed Ramsey birthday dinner in Episode 5. It almost became a dance between the two of you. Can you talk about creating that dynamic?
In that episode, we were able to dive in and have an absolute blast. We filmed numerous takes of us playing around a bit, occasionally improvising. He’d instigate, I’d respond. He truly gave his best performance. Particularly for the inaugural season, he defined the kind of antagonist you’ll encounter. We required someone to deliver, and he exceeded expectations. You’ll find a well-developed villain narrative in which you can comprehend and learn about this villain, helping set the stage. Therefore, each season will have a similar type of villain, and he set the bar exceptionally high.
It’s fascinating to observe a glimpse of unpredictability when Cross, who’s usually so composed, loses his calm. We often assume he’ll remain collected since he’s known for being the sharpest mind in any room. Yet, he’s not just an intelligent character; he’s also a human being struggling with circumstances beyond his control. This is the first time we get to witness his struggle. It’s a nail-biting moment that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The situation is escalating rapidly; what happens next? This is pure, heart-pounding thrill at its best.
Ramsey is taken down in the end, and his worst nightmare of not becoming a famous serial killer is realized. But he’s still alive. Does this mean we could see him down the line?
You’re aware that I can’t share those details with you. However, the possibility of meeting Ramsey once more is definitely on the table for me. I’m just not able to disclose the specifics of our conversation.
You wrapped Season 2. Can you share where that picks up? Is there a time jump?
You know I can’t tell you that either!
Fine! Eventually, in the books, Alex does get married again. He’s clearly nowhere near ready for that, but is he ready to open up his heart again at the end of Season 1?
By the finale of Season 1, it seems to me that he’s prepared to embark on his journey towards healing. To truly connect with another person, he must learn to connect with himself first – this is my belief. I sense that he has now reached a point where he can start recognizing and dealing with the need for self-healing.
The true love story is Cross and his best friend Sampson anyway.
As a passionate movie enthusiast, I wholeheartedly concur with Ben Watkins’ perspective. This isn’t your typical romantic love story; instead, it’s a profound exploration of male camaraderie, which I find incredibly captivating. The dynamic between Cross and Sampson is reminiscent of a deep-rooted brotherhood, something authentic and heartwarming that I haven’t witnessed on screen for quite some time.
Cross really goes through a journey on the first episode — he’s both physically and emotionally challenged. What was the toughest part for you to hop into as an actor?
The most challenging aspect, I must confess, was working in Canada, braving the harsh winter cold while filming outdoors. Goodness gracious, Toronto! I hail from New York, and I’d journey back home every weekend to be with my family. It made New York seem like spring, as I had grown accustomed to the comparatively milder temperatures in my hometown. Frankly, I can’t fathom why people opt to reside there during the winter. They must have a different constitution. My mind simply cannot comprehend it. I am a tropical soul, and it felt like a personal slight from Toronto towards me. To be frank, it felt disrespectful every time I awoke to face the cold. I was tempted to wage war against the icy air.
This is what I truly feel. This is not jokes or hyperbole. I was literally outside swinging at the air like, chill, bro, we get it. You cold, we get it.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
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2024-11-16 21:19