On the Prime Video adaptation of James Patterson’s hit novel series, Cross, the titular character, Alex Cross, couldn’t be the man he is without his closest friend, John Sampson, and Elle Monteiro, another childhood friend who has grown into a romantic partner.
In portraying Sampson, Isaiah Mustafa brings to life Sampson’s loyalty, honesty, and deep affection for Cross. Their relationship is foundational to the series. Similarly, Elle and Alex have a strong connection, but the trauma from the climax of Cross Season 1 has her, understandably, re-evaluating how comfortable she is with the man he is.
With Cross Season 2 about to premiere, we had the chance to speak with Samantha Walkes and Isaiah Mustafa via the magic of Zoom and pick their brains about crafting their characters and how they relate to Alex Cross.
[The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.]
Samantha, although Cross is based on James Patterson’s novels, Elle Monteiro is a wholly original character written for the series. How did you approach playing this character?
Samantha Walkes: I created this really rich world around her. I went so far as to create memories of her childhood, how she grew up, socially, but also economically. What were her parents like? The first time that her and Cross met on a playground cause they grew up together. That really helped establish this comfy, cushy space that she could then jump off of. And so we have all of this rooted system, and now we could just play.
What was wonderful is that everyone in this cast is so incredibly talented that I could just get there and wait now to volley, to play with my co-stars. That felt so easy to do. We were like children in a sandbox. We were building castles together, and it was the most fun. It didn’t feel like work. There’s a lot of time where you’re not always gifted with these beautiful humans to work with in this industry, especially. I feel like this is surreal. What you’re falling in love with is actually on and off screen.
Isaiah, how did you approach John Sampson as a very established character in Patterson’s Alex Cross books?
Isaiah Mustafa: Normally, I would read the books to get a sense of who the character is, but this time I actually checked in with Ben and asked him, “Do you suggest reading the books to get an idea of who he is?” and he said, “Well, I would come to this with a fresh mind, and check out the character that we’re creating. I think we’ve created a character that is honest to the books, true to the books. This character will allow you to represent what those fans come to expect from Sampson. So I trusted in what Ben and the other writers and what they brought out and just took it from there.
How would you define or describe your characters’ relationship to Alex Cross?
SW: It’s a rollercoaster ride. Nothing good comes out of something easy, right? So here we are, trying to mine something really hard and hoping to God that we can come out the other side. But it’s bumpy. [laughs]
IM: I would say it’s a symbiotic partnership that is rooted in love and friendship. We’re looking to do the same thing.
The eight-episode Cross Season 2 premieres on February 11 with a triple episode event on Prime Video.
