The creative team behind the highly anticipated new series on Amazon Prime, titled “Cross,” have recently revealed an interesting strategy they employed in designing their series’ antagonist. Drawing inspiration from classic villain archetypes, they have crafted a uniquely compelling foe for the show.
“Cross” is based on the popular novels of James Patterson, and this fresh adaptation takes viewers on an enthralling journey within the familiar yet expansive narrative universe. The series is spearheaded by the talented Ben Watkins, who serves as both writer and creator, while Aldis Hodge takes center stage in the role of the insightful forensic psychologist Alex Cross.
In an interview with Screen Rant, Hodge discussed a critical element of his character’s journey: the necessity for Cross to confront an adversary who possesses the potential to match or even surpass him. This dynamic creates a riveting on-screen rivalry that fans are eager to witness. Hodge elaborated, stating, “For every season, what Ben Watkins does brilliantly is recognize the need for a formidable opponent who can stand against Cross—a character who could, at least in theory, defeat him. This creates a challenge that drives Cross to elevate his game and continuously push his boundaries.”
Isaiah Mustafa, who plays Cross’s loyal ally John Sampson, added to the conversation by drawing an analogy to iconic superhero duos, noting, “They got to find the right Joker to his Batman. Batman isn’t pursuing just any petty criminal; he’s focused on the Joker.” This comparison underscores the significant role that the antagonist plays in shaping the hero’s narrative arc.
Watkins also provided insight into the casting process for the series’ main villain, known as Fanboy, a role taken on by Ryan Eggold. Eggold, recognized for his performances in popular series such as “The Blacklist” and “New Amsterdam,” was chosen with the intention of providing audiences with an element of deceptive familiarity. Watkins expressed enthusiasm about the casting choice, explaining, “I’m really glad we secured Ryan Eggold for this role. My goal was to steer away from the typical portrayal of serial killers, which often falls into the mold of characters like Hannibal Lecter.”
He further articulated his vision by stating, “I envisioned a character who was charismatic, seductive, and possessed a certain physicality. It was essential to find someone who could convincingly embody these traits.”
Watkins shared his reasoning behind selecting Eggold, emphasizing the actor’s recent success and the fondness audiences have for him stemming from “New Amsterdam.” He said, “Ryan Eggold had precisely what we needed, and he brought one more crucial element to the table—his popularity. With his fan base from ‘New Amsterdam,’ I knew that if any of those viewers tuned in, there would be an underlying sense of affection for him, even if he plays the antagonist. This psychological effect would allow us to explore how a charming killer can effortlessly attract and seduce people.”
“Cross” is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime, promising to deliver intense drama and complex character dynamics that will keep viewers engaged.