Cross Season 2 Premieres with Timely Vigilante Plot Against Corrupt Billionaires
Los Angeles, Feb 7 (AP) – In the highly anticipated new season of Cross, corrupt billionaires face dramatic consequences as Aldis Hodge reprises his role as the sharp-witted detective and forensic psychologist Alex Cross. The series, set to debut on Prime Video on February 11, delves into complex homicide investigations in Washington, DC, with a gripping narrative that feels eerily relevant to current events.
Aldis Hodge on Parallels to Real-World Scandals and Show's Development
Season 2 of Cross follows Cross as he investigates a violent vigilante targeting wealthy abusers who evade justice due to their immense power and influence. While the storyline is not directly based on the infamous Jeffrey Epstein case, star Aldis Hodge acknowledges striking similarities. "There's a crazy sort of chance happening with the timing because, when the story was developed, this was prior to a lot of things that have been revealed as of late," Hodge explained in an interview with The Associated Press.
Interestingly, production for Season 2 wrapped up in 2024, well before the latest Epstein files were made public. Hodge expressed hope that the series will "bring a little bit more awareness to what's going on so people can stop turning a blind eye to some of these things and at least try to move to make a real difference." This commitment to social commentary has resonated globally, with the first season earning Hodge recognition as the definitive TV incarnation of James Patterson's beloved character Alex Cross.
Global Recognition and Personal Anecdotes from Aldis Hodge
The success of Season 1 has been nothing short of phenomenal, with Hodge noting unexpected international crossover appeal. "I was very pleased and very surprised, to be honest. I'm particularly surprised about the international crossover," he shared. From encounters with fans in London and Paris to a memorable moment with soccer legend Thierry Henry—where Hodge jokingly said he had to get a selfie or his mom would have killed him—the actor has been embraced worldwide.
Hodge also reflected on the show's honest portrayal of race and policing, revealing that even police officers have approached him positively. "I was in Paris and there was a French police officer who came up to me and was like, 'Cross!'" he recounted, highlighting how the series fosters dialogue about law enforcement challenges.
Behind the Scenes: Cast Camaraderie and Action Sequences
When asked about his fondest memories from filming, Hodge emphasized the strong bonds among the cast and crew. "It's mostly the people. We have a fantastic cast, our crew is amazing," he said, mentioning a book club he started with co-stars and shared dinners that strengthened their camaraderie.
Action scenes, particularly a demanding running sequence, required extra effort. Hodge channeled his inner Tom Cruise and drew inspiration from his mother, a former competitive runner and coach. "I was, like, I gotta make mom proud," he laughed, noting the physical toll of multiple takes. "To run about 10 takes in, you start to feel it. And that's when your body says, 'Hey, man, you getting old, sit down, OK?'"
Valentine's Day Viewing and Personal Milestones
With the premiere coinciding with Valentine's Day, Hodge believes Cross is perfect for couples, despite humorous anecdotes of fans arguing over watching episodes together. "Absolutely. The crazy thing is we get a lot of love from people who they watch this together," he said, adding that the show aims to bring people together, not drive them apart.
As Hodge approaches his 40th birthday, his goals are refreshingly simple. "My biggest aim for 40 is just hoping that my knees and my back work," he admitted, joking about the challenges of aging and keeping up with his 4-year-old daughter. "I got a 4-year-old who always wants to be picked up, but she doesn't understand daddy's old, OK? Daddy's body is broke, OK, so I'm trying to just be able to keep up with her."
Season 2 of Cross promises to deliver thrilling drama with a conscience, blending entertainment with timely social issues, all while showcasing Aldis Hodge's compelling performance as Alex Cross.
