'The Blacklist' spinoff casts Famke Janssen, Tawny Cypress, Ryan Eggold; formal transition episode set for May 12

Plans for the spinoff series of “The Blacklist” are already being executed, with a number of characters from the original series rumored to make the transition. The May 12 episode (Episode 322) will serve as the turning point for the upcoming pilot.

Recent news reveals that Tawny Cypress, Famke Janssen, Ryan Eggold and Edi Gathegi have been cast to appear in the spinoff of “The Blacklist.” Cypress will be a series regular, and is also set to appear in the final two episodes of the current third season of the original show. Eggold is also expected to play a major role in the project should NBC pick it up.

According to Deadline, Cypress will take on the role of Nez Rowan or Harper. Janssen will play Susan “Scottie” Halsted. The relationship between Halsted and Tom Keen (Eggold) will most likely be featured in the spinoff, in the same manner as Red’s (James Spader) relationship with Liz (Megan Boone) in “The Blacklist.” Cypress is represented by Abrams Artists Agency and Judy Lesley at Sinclair Management.

Cinema Blend reports that in the meantime, NBC has not yet picked up the potential spinoff. Episode 322 will be shown to determine viewer response. If the episode ratings are high, the network may decide to proceed with its plans to make a spinoff series, which may launch in fall 2017.

The title of the potential series is still uncertain at present. “The Blacklist” was recently renewed for a fourth season. If the show continues to do well and the potential pilot is realised, the two related shows may air simultaneously next year. “The Blacklist” has been highly successful since it debuted in 2013.

NBC may announce whether they will do the spinoff series in May or June 2016, after they determine viewer response in the May episode.

Episode 322 was directed by Michael Dinner and written by “The Blacklist” creator and executive producer Jon Bokenkamp and showrunner and executive producer John Eisendrath. Other executive producers of the spinoff project are John Fox and John Davis.

Episode 322 will air on May 12 on NBC. More updates and details are expected soon.