James Spader Wasn’t the First Pick for ‘The Blacklist’ Lead Role; Here’s the Inside Scoop

Key Takeaways:

– ‘The Blacklist’ creator, Jon Bokenkamp, initially wanted Kevin Spacey or Gary Oldman for the lead role.
– Actors like Kiefer Sutherland, Richard Gere, Bryan Cranston, and Pierce Brosnan were offered the part but declined.
– James Spader was eventually chosen for the role, earning widespread praise and Emmy nominations for his performance.

Hi there, did you know James Spader wasn’t the original pick for Raymond “Red” Reddington’s role in ‘The Blacklist’? This hit show from NBC has had us glued to our screens for ten seasons, largely due to Spader’s incredible portrayal of the cunning criminal mastermind. But, guess what – he wasn’t the show creator Jon Bokenkamp’s first choice. So, who was it supposed to be? Let’s dive deep into the casting chronicles of ‘The Blacklist’.

The Ideal Casting: Spacey and Oldman

Can you envision Kevin Spacey, known for his role in ‘House of Cards’, or Gary Oldman, renowned for his ‘Harry Potter’ performance, as Red? Well, initially, Jon Bokenkamp did. Interviewed by The Rolling Stone in 2014, Bokenkamp admitted considering Spacey or Oldman as the ideal fits.

He was inspired by Spacey’s role as Keyser Soze in ‘The Usual Suspects’, influencing Red’s character. Similarly, Oldman’s performance as a professional assassin in ‘Léon: The Professional’ also sparked Bokenkamp’s creativity.

Early Role Rejections

Despite this early vision, neither Spacey nor Oldman were ever approached for the role. Others were, though. According to executive producer John Eisendrath, quite a few big names were considered. Picture Kiefer Sutherland, Richard Gere, Bryan Cranston, or Pierce Brosnan as Red. They all had the opportunity but turned it down.

Spader, the Silver Lining

With rejections left and right and filming looming, the crew turned to James Spader. It was a last-minute call, made just three days before filming was set to commence. Eisendrath shared with Collider how Spader exceeded the team’s expectations. He stated, “He just completely exceeded our already high expectations. I believe he was cast three days before we were supposed to start filming.”

Bokenkamp also shared his appreciation for Spader’s performance with The Rolling Stone, saying, “Now I can’t see anyone else in this role.” Spader’s dedication to embodying Red earned him two Emmy nominations and cemented his place in fans’ hearts.

Fascinating, right? Turns out, ‘The Blacklist’ we know and love could have had a very different face. Even though Spader wasn’t first in line for the role of Red, he swooped in and made the character his own, proving that sometimes the last choice can indeed be the best one. It’s rare to find actors that fit a role so perfectly, easily convincing viewers that no one else could have possibly filled those shoes. And for ten seasons, in the case of James Spader as Red, it was entirely true.

So, keep tuning in to Netflix to enjoy more of Spader’s unforgettable performances in ‘The Blacklist’. Happy watching!

Please note, this post is based on information originally published on FandomWire. All updates and interpretations are purely the author’s.