Cross actor Isaiah Mustafa on the fascination with serial killers: "People love true crime"
November 14 will see the world premiere of Cross, the edge-of-your-seat thriller based on the character of Alex Cross, created by James Patterson. Actor Isaiah Mustafa plays John Sampson, who works alongside Aldis Hodge's Alex Cross to bring justice to those who have been wronged.
Sportskeeda had the opportunity to interact with the actor in a press roundtable and ask him about the world's fascination with serial killers and true crime. He also told us about the research that went into his character when he was offered the role.
At the same time, those who pursue these evil masterminds have to deal with the scars that such a chase entails. To step into the shoes of John Sampson, Mustafa had to read about the damage that occurs in the aftermath of catching killers.
Cross star Isaiah Mustafa spoke to a forensic psychologist to play John Sampson
Sportskeeda asked the actor why the world is so fascinated with the most dastardly of individuals— serial killers. Mustafa mentioned the addiction that goes into doing something so twisted, several times, that could be fascinating to most:
"I’ll tell you. I think what people like about serial killers is what is the obsession? People love true crime. But what is that obsession that drives somebody to do that? Not once, but over and over, and become addicted to this manner of killing."
The Cross star had to go to some dark places in the show. To prepare for the role, he met with a forensic psychologist to understand the impact of catching the vilest criminals on a detective. Mustafa added:
"Also, we spoke to a forensic psychologist before the show. Kinda like talk about the inner workings of a detective mind and what they leave at the workplace and what they take home with them. She gave us a book that was called 'The Sociopath Next Door'. And that book, it was fascinating."
So Mustafa went down the rabbit hole and discovered that much like the rest of the world, he too had become obsessed with true crime. He stated:
"So that’s kind of where we began our research. But as you get deeper into it, it becomes one of those true crime obsessions. You get obsessed with true crime. So if anything, I became more of a fan of the genre."
In Cross, John Sampson and Alex Cross team up to catch yet another twisted individual and bring him to justice. Showrunner Ben Watkins discussed what makes the show so very fascinating:
"I would say that whether you've read the books or not, 'Cross' the series is about a dynamic, heroic detective in D.C. who combines this amazing intellect and this background in forensic psychology that allows them to singular dismantle and hunt down serial killers."
Watkins added:
"But is also himself dealing in a very personal way with his own flaws and struggles and that is impacting his ability to do his job but also to be the best friend and lover and family and husband that he can."
In addition to Aldis Hodge and Isaiah Mustafa, the show also stars Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford, and Ryan Eggold. Stay tuned for exclusive coverage of the show!
