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The Blacklistremained one of the most popular shows on network television for the better part of a decade. Part of the reason for the show’s continued popularity, especially its longevity has to be lead star James Spader, who brought a sense of charm and wit to the criminal mastermind Raymond “Red” Reddington.
Given Spader’s influence on the character and the series overall, it is hard to imagine anyone else in the role. As a result, it might shock some fans to learn that Spader wasn’t the original choice for the role of Red. Instead, Academy Award winners Kevin Spacey and Gary Oldman were the ideal picks for the role. Here is everything you need to know about the casting of Red inThe Blacklist.
The BlacklistCreator Jon Bokenkamp Originally Wanted to Cast Kevin Spacey or Gary Oldman
The Blacklistaired for ten seasons and starredJames Spaderin the role of Raymond “Red” Reddington, a wanted fugitive turned FBI informant. However, Spader wasn’t the first choice for the role of Red, especially for creator Jon Bokenkamp.
Bokenkamp who wrote the pilot episode of the series, reportedly envisionedKevin SpaceyandGary Oldmanin the lead role. The creator admitted the same during a conversation withThe Rolling Stonein 2014. During a separate interview, Bokenkamp revealed some of the inspiration behind the series.
“I was kind of spiraling down…”: James Spader’s Advice to Megan Boone May Have Saved The Blacklist in its Pilot Episode
The creatoradmittedthat Spacey’s Keyser Soze, from the 1995 crime-thriller filmThe Usual Suspects, was part of the inspiration for the character of Red. As a result, it is easy to see why Bokenkamp wanted Spacey for the part. Similarly, Bokenkamp wasreportedlyalso inspired by Oldman’s character inLéon: The Professional.
Jon Bokenkamp Admitted James Spader Was the Best Choice forThe Blacklist
While the role of Red was envisioned withHouse of Cardsstar Spacey andHarry Potterstar Oldman in mind, the two actors weren’t approached for the role. However, the actors who were initially approached to play the partreportedlyturned it down.
According to executive producer John Eisendrath, actors such as Kiefer Sutherland, Richard Gere, Bryan Cranston, and Pierce Brosnan, were offered the part but did not accept it. As a result, the makers turned to Spader in a last-ditch effort, with just a few days left for filming.
He just completely exceeded our already high expectations. I believe he was cast three days before we were supposed to start filming.
Eisendrath made the above statement toColliderregarding Spader’s casting in the series, which did not materialize until much later in the production process.
James Spader Wanted to Become Raymond So Badly in The Blacklist He Made a Drastic Change to His Look for the Role: “It felt like the right thing for him”
Similarly, Bokenkamp also praised Spader’s performance in the series, telling The Rolling Stone:
Now I can’t see anyone else in this role.
From Bokenkamp’s words, it is safe to say that Spader was meant for the role and his consistently good performance across the show’s ten seasons also proves the same. Spader was also nominated twice for an Emmy Award for the role of Red, which bolstered his popularity across the globe.
The Blacklistis streaming on Netflix.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1773
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
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Gary OldmanJames SpaderKevin Spacey
