The crime drama "The Blacklist" is steadily moving along with its third season but various sources have confirmed that a greenlight has already been given for a spinoff based on the series. The new show does not yet have an official title but several of its major details have already been revealed.
As noted by The Hollywood Reporter, Famke Janssen of "Taken," "X-Men" and "How to Get Away with Murder" will be the star of the new show. To get fans of "The Blacklist" get acquainted with the character, creators of the show will officially introduce her as Susan "Scottie" Halsted" in an upcoming episode that will premiere on May 5.
Then, the succeeding episode, which will air on May 12, will focus more on her character. According to the entertainment news site, this "Blacklist" episode will also serve as the backdoor pilot for the spinoff.
In addition, Edi Gathegi, who plays season 3's villainous operative Matias Solomon will also join Janssen in the new show, TV Line reported. Given that both the spinoff and "The Blacklist" exist in the same universe, Gathegi will most likely play the same role in the upcoming series.
Another character that's expected to appear in the spinoff is Ryan Eggold's Tom Keen, also known as Jacob Phelps.
According to reports, he will have a major role in the show and could even work as the partner of Janssen's character, mirroring the dynamic relationship between James Spader's Raymond Reddington and Megan Boone's Liz Keen.
Rumors even suggest that Halsted might be the mother of Tom.
Sony Pictures Television and Davis Entertainment are still onboard to produce the spinoff series. Also, Jon Bokenkamp, John Eisendrath, Michael Watkins, John Fox and John Davis will also serve as producers of the new show. Directing the pilot episode will be Michael Dinner, who helmed "Justified."
Currently, there are no networks yet associated with the "Blacklist" spinoff. But, this will probably be finalized in May after the airing of the backdoor pilot. This means that the fate of the potential new show will largely depend on the success and ratings of the upcoming episode.