It’s about time. Honestly, if you’ve been watching TV or hitting the theaters at any point in the last thirty years, you’ve definitely seen Aldis Hodge. He’s that guy. The one who shows up, absolutely commands the screen for ten minutes, and then disappears into another project.
But things are different now.
We’re currently sitting in 2026, and the conversation around aldis hodge movies and shows has shifted from "Who is that talented supporting actor?" to "When is the next season of Cross dropping?" He has officially graduated from being the secret weapon of an ensemble cast to being the guy the whole production is built around.
The Alex Cross Era and the 2026 Takeover
If you haven't caught up yet, Cross on Prime Video is basically the crown jewel of his current career. We’re coming off a massive Season 1 that racked up something like 40 million viewers in its first few weeks. That’s Fallout levels of success.
Right now, everyone is buzzing about Season 2, which officially premieres on February 11, 2026. This isn't your standard procedural. Hodge plays Alex Cross—the forensic psychologist and detective created by James Patterson—with this raw, grieving intensity that makes previous versions of the character feel a bit like cardboard cutouts.
What’s wild is that he’s also an executive producer on the show. He’s not just showing up to say lines; he’s steering the ship. This season, he’s hunting a vigilante targeting corrupt billionaires. It’s gritty, it’s timely, and it’s arguably the best work he’s ever done.
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The Projects That Built the Foundation
You can't talk about where he is now without looking at the weirdly diverse path he took to get here. Did you know he was in Die Hard with a Vengeance? Yeah, back in 1995. He was just a kid playing Raymond. He actually came back to the franchise years later as a different character in A Good Day to Die Hard. Talk about a full-circle moment.
Then there was Leverage.
For a lot of us, Alec Hardison was the first time we really fell in love with his work. He played this brilliant, high-speed hacker who was obsessed with Orange Crush and sci-fi. It ran from 2008 to 2012, and he’s even popped back for the revival, Leverage: Redemption.
- Straight Outta Compton (2015): He played MC Ren. He didn't just look the part; he captured that specific energy of the N.W.A. era.
- Hidden Figures (2016): As Levi Jackson, he gave us a grounded, supportive performance in a movie that was (rightfully) dominated by incredible women.
- Underground (2016-2017): This show was a masterpiece. He played Noah, a man determined to escape slavery. It was physically demanding and emotionally heavy, proving he could carry a serious drama.
- One Night in Miami (2020): Playing Jim Brown opposite Regina King’s direction. This was a masterclass in subtlety.
The Big Budget Superhero Pivot
A few years back, we saw him suit up as Hawkman in Black Adam. Look, the movie had its critics, but nobody was coming for Aldis Hodge. He was arguably the best part of that film. He brought a physical presence and a regal sort of authority to Carter Hall that made you wish the DC universe had figured its stuff out sooner.
He also voiced John Stewart/Green Lantern in Beware My Power. He’s got that voice—deep, resonant, and authoritative. It makes sense that he keeps getting cast as leaders or men with immense responsibility.
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Recent Hits and Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for aldis hodge movies and shows to binge-watch this weekend, don't sleep on City on a Hill. He starred opposite Kevin Bacon as Decourcy Ward, an Assistant District Attorney in 1990s Boston. It’s a dense, cynical crime drama, and the chemistry between him and Bacon is basically a powder keg.
Then there’s Clemency (2019). It’s a tough watch, but he is haunting as Anthony Woods, a man on death row. He won a Virtuoso Award for it, and honestly, he should have been in the Oscar conversation.
More recently, he did Parallel (2024) and Marmalade (2024). These were smaller, more experimental films that showed he’s still interested in the "actor" part of being a movie star. He’s not just chasing the biggest paycheck; he’s looking for scripts that actually do something different.
What's Next in 2026?
Beyond the new episodes of Cross, we’re keeping an eye on The Dutchman, which is slated for a 2026 release. He’s also been linked to Road House 2, though details on that are still surfacing.
The coolest thing about Hodge isn't even his acting. It’s the fact that he’s a literal watchmaker. He runs A. Hodge Atelier. When he isn't on set, he’s literally designing luxury timepieces and painting. He’s a true polymath, and you can see that precision in how he approaches his characters. He doesn't just "play" a role; he engineers it.
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How to Catch Up on His Best Work
If you want the "Aldis Hodge Starter Pack," here is how I'd do it. Don't go in chronological order; go by vibe.
- The High-Octane Intro: Watch Leverage. It’s fun, it’s light, and it shows his comedic timing.
- The Serious Actor Phase: Watch Clemency or One Night in Miami. Bring tissues for the first one.
- The Current Obsession: Get on Prime Video and start Cross.
Hodge has been in the game for three decades, but it feels like he’s just getting started. He’s 39 now, hitting that perfect sweet spot where he has the experience of a veteran but the energy of a leading man in his prime.
To stay updated on his 2026 schedule, keep an eye on Prime Video's Wednesday night releases for Cross. The weekly rollout starts February 11, with the finale hitting on March 18. If the Season 2 trailer is any indication, we’re in for a much darker ride this time around.
Don't just watch for the mystery. Watch for the way he holds a frame. There are very few actors working today who can convey that much weight with just a look.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Streaming Tip: Use the "Save to List" feature on Prime Video specifically for Cross to get notified when the new episodes drop in February.
- Deep Dive: Check out the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's recent career retrospective video (recorded in late 2025) for a behind-the-scenes look at how he prepared for the role of Alex Cross.
- Social Following: Follow him on Instagram for a look at his art and watchmaking; it often provides context for the "perfectionist" energy he brings to his acting roles.