Cross stars explain why series doesn’t adapt James Patterson’s books

As a cinephile with over three decades of immersion in various genres, I must say that Cross, the latest addition to Prime Video’s action thriller lineup, is a refreshing twist on James Patterson’s Alex Cross novels. While it doesn’t directly adapt any of the existing books, it instead offers fans an extension of the beloved universe while appealing to newcomers alike.


Continuing the trend of action-packed thrillers like The Terminal List and Reacher, Amazon Prime Video is expanding its collection by introducing Cross, a new series inspired by James Patterson’s Alex Cross book series.

So far, Patterson has published 31 books featuring Alex Cross, with three of these stories being transformed into movies.

In my opinion, while I was quite excited about the latest series starring Aldis Hodge as the protagonist and Isaiah Mustafa as his partner John Sampson, I must confess that it didn’t follow any existing stories or characters from the original source material. Instead, it offers a fresh take on their relationship and adventures.

Rather than continuing the original narrative penned by author Ben Watkins, the show offers a fresh tale for the characters, making it an appealing experience both for fans of the novels and those new to the storyline.

The advantage lies in building a world that enriches the Cross universe, providing a familiar and cherished extension for readers. Once they’ve acquired the books, they can delve deeper into the world they already adore as they explore the series.

We have the opportunity to bring to life such grand characters, who are not only imaginative but also hold depth and a touch of enigma.

Cross stars explain why series doesn’t adapt James Patterson’s books

As an artist, I relish the liberty to shape and mold our creations within the realm of Cross’s captivating universe. We strive to preserve the essence of the books, honoring their fabric and foundation. Our aim is to deliver a conclusive, immersive experience that truly satisfies the cravings of its dedicated fans.

Afterward, Mustafa stated: “I believe they work well together. The books may offer a first glimpse into the characters and their world, but our series will complete any missing details, and introduce elements that you’ve never even imagined.

As a cinephile, I must admit, I was utterly taken aback to discover the complexities of characters like Sampson and Alex. The filmmakers managed to craft a vivid, lived-in universe by subtly revealing their intricate personalities, leaving me in awe.

The show’s first season follows Cross as he faces a sadistic serial killer leaving a string of bodies strewn around the city.

In the course of Alex and John Sampson’s investigation of this killer, an enigmatic danger connected to Cross’s history emerges, intent on undoing the efforts he has made to support his mourning family, maintain his career, and preserve his life.

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2024-11-14 08:34