Cast member James Spader poses at a press line for the movie "Avengers: Age of Ultron" during the 2014 Comic-Con International Convention in San Diego, California July 26, 2014.
Cast member James Spader poses at a press line for the movie "Avengers: Age of Ultron" during the 2014 Comic-Con International Convention in San Diego, California July 26, 2014. Reuters/Mario Anzuoni

James Spader recently spoke with The Guardian in London to share some details about his character on “The Blacklist,” as well as his career in general.

After having appeared in various hit TV shows and films, Spader reveals that he has developed a fondness for the unique aspects of a certain plot or character. At present, he plays Raymond “Red” Reddington on “The Blacklist,” which is currently in its third season. Red is a cunning and mysterious supervillain who is on a mission to also rid the world of other bad people.

Spader said that he frequently communicates with the show writers about the smart and lethal Red. The actor continued that if he is choosing a project based on content, he would be looking for the “oddest corners of someone’s life.” He shared that he would only be interested in the character’s background if it is strange enough and stands apart from the rest. Spader said that he was looking for a show that mixes irreverence with drama, as well as a character that would continually surprise him. These factors were important to him, especially on a series with 22 episodes.

“There are some actors who are very good at developing things. Who have… ‘things in the pipeline’. I am abysmal at that kind of thing, loathe it and am a terrible planner. Unless I’m showing up on the set and acting I prefer to have nothing to do with the actual business of being an actor,” the actor told the publication.

However, when fans see him in a movie or TV show, they will see that he puts all his efforts in, based on his experiences as an actor. He said that viewers will see as much as he can give because he brings everything that he possibly can. Spader added that he carries a lot of luggage wherever he goes, which should always be the case. He is paid well and generally demanding of the people he works with, which is also why he is obliged to bring a lot and delivers everything that he can every time.

“The Blacklist” Season 3 airs on NBC in the U.S. and on Channel 7 in Australia.

Check out his recent interview with Stephen Colbert here.

Source: YouTube/The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
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