The Blacklist remained 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 in The Blacklist.
The Blacklist Creator Jon Bokenkamp Originally Wanted to Cast Kevin Spacey or Gary Oldman
The Blacklist aired for ten seasons and starred James Spader in 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 envisioned Kevin Spacey and Gary Oldman in the lead role. The creator admitted the same during a conversation with The Rolling Stone in 2014. During a separate interview, Bokenkamp revealed some of the inspiration behind the series.
The creator admitted that Spacey’s Keyser Soze, from the 1995 crime-thriller film The 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 was reportedly also inspired by Oldman’s character in Léon: The Professional.
Jon Bokenkamp Admitted James Spader Was the Best Choice for The Blacklist
While the role of Red was envisioned with House of Cards star Spacey and Harry Potter star Oldman in mind, the two actors weren’t approached for the role. However, the actors who were initially approached to play the part reportedly turned 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 to Collider regarding Spader’s casting in the series, which did not materialize until much later in the production process.
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 Blacklist is streaming on Netflix.
