8/10/2010

Idris Elba, the new Alex Cross?

This news couldn't be more timely for us. We have an interview(headed up by my homie, John) with Idris Elba, the former Stringer Bell and soon to be leader of a gang of Rat Pack-like thieves in the heist film, Takers. His career has certainly taken off since The Wire ended. In the last couple of years he's starred in Guy Ritchie's Rocknrolla, alongside Beyonce in Obsessed, and most recently in The Losers. But what he hasn't had is a real franchise to call his own. That might be about to change.

Yesterday, Elba confirmed that he has been offered the role of Alex Cross, forensic psychologist in the series of crime novels written by James Patterson. Two of Patterson's films have been turned into movies already, and I'm betting you saw them: 1997's Kiss the Girls, and the sequel 2001's Along Came a Spider. The role of Alex Cross was played by Morgan Freeman in both of those films.

So with the obvious age difference between the two, this is clearly going to be a prequel of some sort. Reports are that the film will be titled Cross, and is based on the 12th book in the 16 book series. Patterson, who still owns the rights, has already written the script alongside Kerri Williamson, with Lloyd Levin producing.

Elba has really made an impression on me since he made the full jump to the big screen, and I'm consistently marvelling at his ability to hide his deep British accent. I watched him for 6 years on The Wire and never knew for a second he was from across the pond.  

Keep an eye out for our interview with Elba, coming up shortly!