What Is James Spader Doing Now? From Red Reddington to New Roles

James Spader – the secretive actor with those compelling performances and that peculiar voice – still makes for quite an enigmatic presence in the entertainment world. Much known for his work in Boston Legal, The Blacklist, Secretary, and Sex, Lies, and Videotape, the loyal fan base of Spader stretches over decades.

But what does James Spader do, exactly, now in 2025? Here’s everything about his recent projects, personal interests, public appearances and what he plans to do next.

James Spader’s Career After The Blacklist: What Comes Next?

With the last episode of the final season of NBC’s The Blacklist in 2023, which ran for a successful ten seasons, Spader’s projects have been quite selective. As Raymond “Red” Reddington, Spader mesmerized viewers playing a character equal parts criminal mastermind and philosophical antihero. The Blacklist ended one big chapter, sure, but by no means was it the end of Spader onscreen.

This is included in last year’s seasonal episodes after brief planning for next year, too bad there will not be a second season. “I’m not ready to stop yet,” she said. “I want to do this while I have the energy and time to focus,” he yelled over the phone, clearly expressing his passion for the project. It was fantastic to meet you, Henry.”“You too, sir.”“Please, call me James.”

Spader’s 2025 Return: Independent Film and Streaming Projects

Spader stars in a psychological thriller titled The Glass Confession, an independent film set for release late this year. In it, he plays a retired forensic psychologist who is pulled back into a cold case, one that begins to unravel his own dark past.

Shot in New England, the film is described as a blend of noir aesthetics and cerebral suspense – perfectly tailored to Spader’s own unique dramatic abilities.

He has also joined a show with HBO Max for a limited series that looks at old politics in post-Cold War Berlin. It is called Shadow Lines, and he plays an American diplomat who is not happy and is stuck in spycraft and betrayal. This is his first HBO project in ten years, and everyone is very excited, the critics as well as his longtime fans.

Voice Work and Narration Projects

Spader’s signature voice remains one of his most potent assets. In 2025, he’s lending his vocal talents to two high-profile projects:

Narration of a Netflix true-crime docuseries, Echoes of Justice, which explores controversial legal cases overturned by new forensic evidence.
Voice acting for an upcoming animated cyberpunk series called Neon Crucible, where he plays an AI overlord known only as “The Architect.”

His previous voice performance as Ultron in Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron remains iconic, and studios continue to pursue him for projects that require nuanced, intelligent, and emotionally layered voice acting.

Is James Spader Retired? Absolutely Not.

Rumors have abounded online that Spader may be leaving acting. They are baseless, though. As recently as when he spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about it in an interview, Spader addressed these very speculations:

“I’m not retiring – I’m recalibrating. I want to work on things that challenge me intellectually and emotionally. Not just what’s trending.”

James Spader is 65 and laser-focused. He’s not withdrawn but selective, preferring quality scripts to numbers of roles.

James Spader’s Life Beyond Acting: Interests, Hobbies, and Advocacy

Though acting still defines his life, Spader also devotes quite a bit of time to nurturing what lies off the screen. For years, he has been a passionate collector of rare books and vintage vinyl records. A source close to Spader says about him: “His house in Los Angeles has a private library with first editions, mostly 19th-century American lit”.

In addition, environmental causes have more and more occupied Spader’s attention and specifically conservation along the New England coast, where he has a second home. He made appearances at several such fund-raising events in 2024 and 2025 for groups advocating marine wildlife preservation and anti-pollution legislation.

Public Appearances and Media Presence in 2025

Spader has never been one for overexposure or tabloid drama. True to form, he maintains a low public profile, but has made several notable appearances in 2025:

Sundance Film Festival: Promoted The Glass Confession, receiving a standing ovation after a Q&A session.
The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon: A rare late-night interview where he discussed his early years in New York, his love of philosophy, and why he still doesn’t own a smartphone.
The Criterion Channel’s Spotlight Interview Series: Discussed the art of character building and working with auteur filmmakers.

These appearances are always thoughtful, engaging, and rich with insight, making them highly anticipated events for fans and film enthusiasts alike.

Behind the Camera: Spader the Producer and Director

By 2025, James Spader should also be developing a directorial project, marking what could be his foray into directing. Though details were scant at the time of the report, sources indicated it might be a neo-noir adaptation of a forgotten Raymond Chandler short story, with Spader attached to produce as well as direct. This film is in early pre-production and expected to begin shoot in mid-2026.

He has also started a minor company that centers on smart plays and thrillers, working under the name “Reddington Row Productions,” a fun reference to his Blacklist character. The company has already bought two scripts from new screenwriters.

What’s Next for James Spader in 2026 and Beyond?

Details are still under wraps, but word is that Spader is in discussions with A24 for a dark satire series in which he’d play a morally conflicted lobbyist in Washington, DC. If it goes through, this would reposition him at the forefront of the prestige television spotlight again, suggesting that Spader’s best work may be still to come.

He’s even got a few aspiring actors and writers he’s allegedly mentoring, a role he’s taken on as a way to repay the craft that gave shape to his life.

Final Thoughts: James Spader in 2025

James Spader by 2025 is everything apart from idle. He is guiding this period of his career with a plan, style, and a firm focus on making new things. Whether seen or not seen by the audience, using his voice or ideas, Spader stays a strong power in shows. He might have swapped the every-week show work for more picked and important projects, but his being there is as strong—and interesting—as before.

FAQs

What has James Spader done since The Blacklist?

Since The Blacklist ended in July 2023, Spader has focused on voice roles—reprising Ultron in the upcoming Vision Quest series—and developing independent film and directing projects.