James Patterson turned down a lucrative seven-figure deal for his character Alex Cross to maintain an essential aspect of the character’s identity. Patterson, known for his long-running book series that began in 1993, has created over 30 novels featuring Alex Cross, an African-American detective and father who protects his family and the city of Washington, D.C. The series has been adapted into several films, including “Kiss the Girls” (1997) and “Along Came a Spider” (2001), both starring Morgan Freeman, as well as the 2012 film “Alex Cross,” featuring Tyler Perry. A new series on Prime Video stars Aldis Hodge as Cross.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Patterson shared that he rejected a seven-figure offer before the Freeman films because the studio wanted to change Alex Cross from a Black character to a white one. Patterson firmly refused to alter his lead detective’s racial identity. He explained that his inspiration for Alex Cross came from his own experiences with a Black family during his upbringing.
Patterson recounted, “When I wrote the first Alex Cross book, I didn’t have a lot of money, and Hollywood came calling. They offered seven figures, but they wanted one change: they wanted Alex to be a white guy. I said, ‘No way.’ It was painful, but I did it.” Although he did not sell the rights immediately, Paramount later approached him, leading to successful films with Freeman.
Patterson also reflected on his childhood in Newburgh, New York, where he lived with a Black family that significantly influenced his understanding of Black culture. He noted that their experiences were different from the stereotypical portrayals often seen in Hollywood at the time. This personal connection inspired him to create a character like Alex Cross, who is portrayed as intelligent and complex.
He emphasized that Alex Cross is not just another stereotypical character; he is depicted as someone who uses his intellect to solve mysteries. This depth is what attracted Morgan Freeman to the role initially. Patterson stated, “Alex wasn’t one of those stereotypical characters; he solves mysteries in his head.”
Patterson’s refusal to change Alex Cross’s race has had lasting effects on future adaptations of the character. His decision ensured that Cross remained an authentic representation of a highly intelligent Black detective. This choice paved the way for Freeman’s iconic portrayal and allowed subsequent adaptations to maintain the integrity of the character.
In summary, James Patterson’s commitment to preserving Alex Cross’s identity reflects his dedication to authenticity in storytelling and has contributed significantly to the character’s enduring popularity in literature and film.
Related topics:
