James Patterson Rejected Seven-Figure Offer to Make Alex Cross a White Man; ‘Cross’ Star Aldis Hodge Is ‘Shocked, Impressed and Proud of That’

[Olde Hornet]

WOW!!!

James Patterson Rejected Seven-Figure Offer to Make Alex Cross a White Man; ‘Cross’ Star Aldis Hodge Is ‘Shocked, Impressed and Proud of That’

“Cross” star Aldis Hodge told Buzzfeed that he was “shocked” when it was recently revealed that author James Patterson turned down a seven-figure deal offer to turn his book character, police detective Alex Cross, into a white man when he was originally shopping the first book around. Hodge now...

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“Cross” star Aldis Hodge told Buzzfeed that he was “shocked” when it was recently revealed that author James Patterson turned down a seven-figure deal offer to turn his book character, police detective Alex Cross, into a white man when he was originally shopping the first book around. Hodge now plays the character in Prime Video’s series adaptation of Patterson’s book series.

“I was shocked, impressed and proud of that,” Hodge said of Patterson’s reveal. “For me to step into these shoes, any time I step into a position of power or representation, it feels like a privilege and a responsibility that I’m honored to even be tasked with. I just want to carry that the right way.”

 

[skyvolt2000]

You will be amazed at how many creators have fought and gave up deals like Patterson did. This is nothing new.

Heck you would be shocked at how many books have the LEAD a POC but the cover of the book shows a white person or tired to hide the race.

Rivers of London a million dollar selling book series is about a black guy in the UK. When the books came over here to be sold EVERY cover was changed to hide the race.

 

[TSU/BAMA]

You will be amazed at how many creators have fought and gave up deals like Patterson did. This is nothing new.

I doubt if any of yall are old enough to remember this, but I can remember when this was done with albums covers. A white face was put on the covers to disguise the fact that the artist was black.

 

[LAW DAWG]

I doubt if any of yall are old enough to remember this, but I can remember when this was done with albums covers. A white face was put on the covers to disguise the fact that the artist was black.

I recall hearing about that. Didn't they call that masking?

 

[CEE DOG]

Remember the white lady who played Cleopatra!

 

[TSU/BAMA]

I recall hearing about that. Didn't call that masking?

I don't remember what it was called, but you are probably right.

 

[Aubryknight]

You will be amazed at how many creators have fought and gave up deals like Patterson did. This is nothing new.

Heck you would be shocked at how many books have the LEAD a POC but the cover of the book shows a white person or tired to hide the race.

Rivers of London a million dollar selling book series is about a black guy in the UK. When the books came over here to be sold EVERY cover was changed to hide the race.

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lwcurrey.cdn.bibliopolis.com

Streetlethal was published in 1983 by Steven Barnes, a noted African American sci-fi writer. The main character is Black.

 

[TSU/BAMA]

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lwcurrey.cdn.bibliopolis.com

Streetlethal was published in 1983 by Steven Barnes, a noted African American sci-fi writer. The main character is Black.

Thanks for the info. I have never heard of Steven Barnes. I will check the Houston Public Library to see if I can find a copy of his book. As a matter of fact, I just left the library checking out a copy of James Patterson's Deadly Cross. Too bad I did not read your post before I went to the library.

 

[Aubryknight]

Thanks for the info. I have never heard of Steven Barnes. I will check the Houston Public Library to see if I can find a copy of his book. As a matter of fact, I just left the library checking out a copy of James Patterson's Deadly Cross. Too bad I did not read your post before I went to the library.

This thread has enlightened me. Thanks to the Olde Hornet. You’ll like Steven Barnes, if you like sci-fi. Octavia Butler and Samuel Delany are must reads, as well.

 

[Gramfam92]

I doubt if any of yall are old enough to remember this, but I can remember when this was done with albums covers. A white face was put on the covers to disguise the fact that the artist was black.

Not old enough , but fell in love with Classic Jazz in my early 20's & became a huge collector of albums ( mostly remastered cd's at the time ) & a few vinyl albums and I witnessed these old albums with White women models on the cover. Miles Davis fought his record company asking an exec " why is this White biish" on the front of my album( "Miles Ahead") & they eventually released alternate covers & stopped the practice with him. The remastered cds eventually put alternate covers on these old Jazz albums , but you are speaking truth.

 

[TSU/BAMA]

This thread has enlightened me. Thanks to the Olde Hornet. You’ll like Steven Barnes, if you like sci-fi. Octavia Butler and Samuel Delany are must reads, as well.

Samuel Delany, I have never heard of him. Will check him out. Octavia Butler, I have 2 of her novels.

 

[TSU/BAMA]

Not old enough , but fell in love with Classic Jazz in my early 20's & became a huge collector of albums ( mostly remastered cd's at the time ) & a few vinyl albums and I witnessed these old albums with White women models on the cover. Miles Davis fought his record company asking an exec " why is this White biish" on the front of my album( "Miles Ahead") & they eventually released alternate covers & stopped the practice with him. The remastered cds eventually put alternate covers on these old Jazz albums , but you are speaking truth.

 

[Aubryknight]

Samuel Delany, I have never heard of him. Will check him out. Octavia Butler, I have 2 of her novels.

Delany is the Godfather of Black sci-fi writers. The nephew of the Delany sisters, l believe.