Amazon Prime’s new detective series, “Cross,” based on James Patterson’s bestselling novels, has captivated audiences with its thrilling storylines and complex characters. Fans are particularly curious about the realistic urban landscapes depicted in the show, leading many to ask: Where Was Alex Cross Filmed? While the series is set in Washington D.C. and Chicago, the actual filming locations might surprise you.
Discovering the Real-Life Locations Behind the “Cross” Series
For its first and second seasons, “Cross” chose to bring its gritty and authentic atmosphere to life in a surprising location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and its surrounding areas. This vibrant Canadian city, with its diverse architecture and urban settings, effectively doubled as both Washington D.C. and, notably, Chicago, for the series.
Hamilton Transforms into Chicago for “Cross” Season 2
Downtown Hamilton underwent a remarkable transformation to convincingly portray the streets of Chicago for the second season of “Cross.” The area south of Gore Park, specifically between John and James streets, was meticulously redressed to mirror a typical Chicago street scene.
During filming in May, keen observers could spot iconic Chicago props strategically placed to enhance the illusion. Park benches branded with “City of Chicago” and litter containers marked “City of Chicago, Department of Sanitation” lined King Street East. A prominent banner declaring “Motor Row Chicago,” referencing a historic Chicago district, was hung from a street lamp, further immersing the location in its fictional Chicago setting.
Adding to the Chicago cityscape was a red, white, and blue bus marked “Chicago Transit Authority,” parked near a bus stop sign for “156 LaSalle.” This level of detail, including even bus route maps and stop details, showcased the production’s commitment to authenticity in recreating Chicago within Hamilton.
Beyond the downtown core, other Hamilton locations played crucial roles. The Imperial Variety store on Wellington Street North served as another filming site, further expanding the geographic scope within Hamilton. Scenes were also captured both inside and outside the former Royal Connaught Hotel, a recognizable Hamilton landmark adding to the diverse backdrops used in the series.
Brantford and Dundas: Expanding the Filming Footprint
Prior to transforming Hamilton, the production team spent a week filming in Brantford, Ontario. Dalhousie, Queen, and George streets in Brantford became locations for shooting scenes, some of which involved dramatic elements like smoke and simulated gunshots. The presence of American flags flying at Brantford City Hall hinted at the American setting being established.
For scenes requiring a psychiatric hospital setting, the production moved to Dundas, utilizing the Columbia College Campus on Northcliffe Avenue. This location was transformed to represent a Chicago psychiatric hospital, adding another layer of location diversity within the broader Hamilton filming region.
Season 1 and Other Productions in Hamilton
Hamilton’s versatility as a filming location was also evident in the first season of “Cross,” with scenes filmed across the city between January and May of the previous year. Liuna Station, a grand Hamilton event venue, was notably transformed into a museum for filming, complete with a red carpet entrance, as seen in the season 1 trailer.
Interestingly, “Cross” was not the only Amazon Prime production utilizing Hamilton’s diverse locales. During the same period, the third season of “Reacher” also filmed in Hamilton, staging a significant action scene involving a boat explosion near Bayfront Park and earlier scenes at the historic Sandyford Place. “Motorheads,” another series, also filmed at Liuna Station and other Dundas locations, while “Welcome to Derry,” a prequel to Stephen King’s “IT,” returned to the former Delta Secondary School in Hamilton to represent Derry High School, showcasing the city’s popularity as a filming hub for various productions.
Hamilton: A Star Location for “Cross”
The decision to film “Cross” in Hamilton and surrounding areas highlights the region’s appeal for productions seeking diverse urban and architectural backdrops that can convincingly portray various North American cities. By utilizing locations in Hamilton, Brantford, and Dundas, “Cross” successfully created the worlds of Washington D.C. and Chicago, bringing the thrilling narratives of James Patterson’s novels to life on screen. For fans wondering “where was Alex Cross filmed?”, the answer lies in the streets and buildings of these Southern Ontario cities, cleverly disguised and transformed into the settings of this captivating series.
