“When [Matthew] found out I wanted him to read [for the part], he was like ,‘What? I haven’t read in 15 years.’”

Cross boss talks ‘emotional’ Sampson story in season 2, casting Matthew Lillard

"When [Matthew] found out I wanted him to read [for the part], he was like ,'What? I haven't read in 15 years.'"

By Samantha Highfill

Samantha Highfill

Samantha Highfill is an executive editor at **, where she's worked for more than 12 years covering television.

EW's editorial guidelines

December 16, 2025 9:00 a.m. ET

Leave a Comment

Aldis Hodge and Isaiah Mustafa in 'Cross' season 2. Credit:

Ian Watson/Prime Video

Alex Cross has a new case.

When *Cross* returns for its second season, the drama is looking to shake things up. Following its successful first season, the series — which places the characters from author James Patterson's books in a wholly original story — will introduce a few new faces, a new mystery, and even a new location or two.

"I knew I wanted to shift gears a little bit, and I knew I wanted to expand the scope of the show so that it wouldn't just be D.C.," showrunner Ben Watkins tells* *. "D.C. is the home and the hub, but I wanted to get some different flavors, texture, smells into the show."**

Matthew Lillard, Lou Jurgens, Aldis Hodge, and Alona Tal on 'Cross'.

Ian Watson/Prime Video

Watkins and his writers' room were handed a unique task in today's television landscape: They filmed seasons 1 and 2 back-to-back, which means they didn't have the audience's reaction to season 1 as an influence on the story.

"In this case, we got dealt a hand where we weren't able to take the reactions to season 1, but instead, we were able to go in innocent and wide-eyed and do season 2," Watkins says. "And there's a lot of advantages to that because you don't second-guess yourself. You just follow your instincts."**

Aldis Hodge as Alex and Alona Tal as Kayla on 'Cross'.

Ian Watson/Prime Video

And for Watkins, his instincts were telling him to explore some of the other characters outside of Aldis Hodge's titular detective. In its first season, the show introduced Alex's support system, from his kids, to his lifelong best friend, John Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa), to his FBI contact, Kayla Craig (Alona Tal).

"I want to build out the real estate and the tapestry of the show, but I don't want to sabotage myself because it's taking away from Aldis Hodge's Cross," Watkins says.**

'Cross' season 1 finale post-credits scene explained

'Cross' creator breaks down season 1 twists, what's next in season 2

And thankfully, the fans seemed to love those other characters, especially Sampson. "In season 2 in particular, we get to really see Sampson deal with some emotional stuff," Watkins previews. "He was a support system for Cross in season 1. Those tables get turned a little bit in season 2 because Sampson's got his own personal journey that really sends him to some places. And so that was a lot of fun for us."

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.***

As for those new faces, Jeanine Mason and Matthew Lillard both join the cast for season 2, and Alex will find himself working a case alongside Kayla that involves Lillard's character. "When [Matthew] found out I wanted him to read [for the part], he was like ,'What? I haven't read in 15 years,'" Watkins remembers.**

Matthew Lillard as Lance Durand on 'Cross'.

Ian Watson/Prime Video

But clearly his time away from auditioning didn't hurt the actor, because he landed the role of billionaire Lance Durand. "Even though a lot of people associate him with some of the funnier or campier roles, he has great range," Watkins says of Lillard. "And I think part of it is because he really lives life. He loves people, so that means he studies people just naturally and he's sincere about his craft."

Lillard joins the fun when *Cross* season 2 premieres Wednesday, Feb. 11, on Prime Video.

Original Article on Source

Source: “EW Mystery”