Megan Boone, James Spader and Diego Klattenhoff star in the hotly anticipated crime thriller The Blacklist. An FBI ‘Most Wanted’ man, Raymond “Red” Reddington (James Spader), turns himself in to the FBI, offering up a global directory of criminals he has worked with on past, present, and future crimes. The hook? He will only speak with rookie FBI agent Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone), and it’s her first day on the job. There are only four questions, Who? What? Where? and Why? Read the interview with Megan Boone and executive producer John Eisendrath here.
MizHollywood.com: What is your character, Elizabeth Keen like?
Megan Boone: Elizabeth is a psychological profiler new to the FBI. She’s not entirely prepared to be an agent. She’s brave and capable, despite her novice, but she makes mistakes, and that moves the story forward.
MizHollywood.com: How did you get the part?
Megan Boone: I auditioned and pursued the part. I knew it was an important role. I was drawn to Elizabeth Keen’s character. Auditioning multiple times allowed me to keep rediscovering the character, drawing me closer and closer to her.
MizHollywood.com: What kind of research did you have to do for the part?
Megan Boone: I worked with an FBI psych profiler, but there is a never-ending body of new information as you introduce new elements. Fortunately, I have an inquisitive mind.
MizHollywood.com: This is a question for John. What can viewers expect in the storyline each week?
John Eisendrath: (executive producer along with Jon Bokenkamp and John Davis) This is a character and action-driven series with each episode focusing on a different criminal who is Blacklist worthy. They are criminals who have avoided detection by the FBI and are believable in going undetected. They are more like James Bond villains than Hannibal Lector. Each episode is a great chapter that stands on its own.
MizHollywood.com: Are there any big name guest stars?
John Eisendrath: I don’t want to give away too much, but Tom Noonan, Isabella Rossellini, Clifton Collins Jr. and Jane Alexander all contribute quality parts and go beyond their comfort levels. You’ll be surprised by their individual performances. Each villain brings his own flavor to the show.
MizHollywood.com: Megan, what’s it like working with James Spader?
Megan Boone: James and I have a great working relationship. He is a great co-worker and collaborator. One of my first scenes with James was at the Walsdorf Astoria in New York City, and Elizabeth has to stab Red. Afterwards I had to take a long run, I was so excited. James brings levity to the set. The first day he pulled me aside and said, “I know this is a drama, but it’s important to have fun”. James Spader makes it fun, he brings a lot of joy onto the set.
MizHollywood.com: What is Elizabeth Keen’s relationship to Red? Why will he only speak with her?
Megan Boone: Elizabeth is someone who has been selected, and we don’t know why. I have asked to remain in the dark about why, so that I can grow and discover with the character. She’s tethered to something mystical, it’s not completely in the real world. It’s a real journey of awakening and self-revelation being manipulated by an older guy. Are they related? I don’t know. Red is not altogether a bad guy, there is a great deal of goodness in him.
MizHollywood.com: What is Elizabeth’s relationship with her co-workers?
Megan Boone: Her relationships are rich and dynamic. Elizabeth is a strong female character. As the protagonist she questions if you can really trust anyone, do you really ever know anyone? She needs to have someone emerge from the crowd that she can trust, she needs to find a reliable friend.
The Blacklist premieres on NBC September 23 rd at 10P.M., right after The Voice. We’ll be watching and keeping viewers posted as this exciting drama unfolds.
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