James Spader to Lead NBC's Spy Series THE BLACKLIST

James Spader is entering the world of espionage.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the actor has officially signed on to lead NBC's upcoming psychological spy project THE BLACKLIST.

THE BLACKLIST follows 'Raymond "Red" Reddington,' "the world's most-wanted criminal who mysteriously turns himself in and offers to give up everyone he has ever worked with." His one condition: he will only work with an FBI rookie (Megan Boone). Ryan Eggold (9210) has also signed on to co-star as Boone's husband.

Spader will take on the lead role of 'Red,' a former Army intelligence officer who goes AWOL. "He doesn't consider himself to be a spy but instead a facilitator, who brokers deals for criminals and has no allegiance to any country or political agenda -- only the highest bidder."

PERFECT STRANGER's Jon Bokenkamp will write the script and serve as executive producer along with John Fox, John Eisendrath, and John Davis.

For The Hollywood Reporter's original report, click here.

Some of Spader's credits include: Steven Soderbergh's "sex, lies and videotape," which won him the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival; David Croenenberg's "Crash," which won the Special Jury Prize at Cannes; and Steven Shainberg's "Secretary," which won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Feature. His other film credits include "2 Days in the Valley," "Wolf," and "Less Than Zero." Spader also appeared Steven Spielberg's DreamWorks feature "Lincoln."

From 2004-08, Spader won three Emmy awards for his seminal role as shameless attorney Alan Shore in "The Practice" and "Boston Legal," making him the only actor to win consecutive Emmys playing the same character on two different series. Spader starred as a lead character in Race, a play written and directed by David Mamet, alongside Richard Thomas, David Alan Grier and Kerry Washington in 2009. He most recently wrapped a one-season stint on NBC's "The Office."

Photo by: Walter McBride

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