The greatLance Reddickis arguably most famous for his role as Cedric Daniels inThe Wire, Phillip Broyles inFringe, Charon in theJohn Wickfranchise, and Commander Zavala in theDestinyfranchise. The Baltimore, Maryland, actor earned his Master of Fine Arts from theprestigious Yale School of Dramain the early ’90s, and he steadily worked in television and film immediately after graduating. Known for his intense gaze and affinity for affecting different accents, Reddick starred in projects ranging from TV dramas and action films to lending his voice and likeness to video games.
Although the news of Reddick’s unexpected passing shocked us, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to honor the late actor’s legacy by examining his posthumous releases. Reddick remained busy until the end and thus left behind an extensive body of work that has helped solidify his status asone of the best actors ever. Even though some of the films on our list are still in post-production, we’ve ensured the information provided is up-to-date and accurate.
Lance Reddick’s Most Famous Big Screen Role
As mentioned in this article’s introduction, Reddick was one of the most versatile actors of his generation. With roles in action movies likeJonah Hex,Godzilla vs. King Kong, and theJohn Wickfranchise, Reddick displayed his range anytime he was in a movie or film. However, we think it’s safe to say Reddick is probably most familiar to audiences because of his work as Charon in Chad Stahelski’sJohn Wickaction franchise.
Related:John Wick Chapter 5: What We Want From a Final Installment
Reddick’s work as Charon was one of the highlights in an already beloved series and even though Charon was austere and stern, virtuallyevery member of the Continentalrespected the bespectacled concierge. Charon appeared in all four films and is even confirmed to appear inBallerina, so we think it is safe to say Reddick loved the character just as much as us, and we look forward to his big screen return next year.
Lance Reddick’s Most Famous Small Screen Role
Reddick arguably had a more prolific career in television than he did in film, and as such, we’re a little stumped as to which of his television roles we feel is his most recognizable. Depending on who you ask, his work as Lt. Cedric Daniels in David Simon’s underrated crime dramaThe Wirewould be the most obvious choice, then there would beFringefans who’d argue his role as Phillip Broyles in that show would be the best answer. Even though we wish to remain neutral in the matter, we’re more inclined to bestow the honor on the late actor’s work as Daniels inThe Wiredespite it being a difficult choice.
In a show containing so many well-written and fleshed-out characters, Daniels was among the most beloved as he was intense, empathetic, and committed to his job as a lawman — three traits everyone in his field should possess. Moreover, Reddick’s presence and signature side-eye gaze commanded the respect of his subordinates and audiences, and even some of the show’s criminals respected him because of his reputation.
White Men Can’t Jump (Benji Allen)
Hulu’s 2023White Men Can’t Jumpis a reboot of the classic Ron Shelton 1992 sports comedy and stars Sinqua Walls and Jack Harlow in the Wesley Snipesand Woody Harrelson roles, respectively. Although the reboot performed terribly with critics and audiences, it does boast Reddick’s talents in one of his posthumous roles as Benji Allen, the father of Kamal, Walls’ character.
Benji was a renowned basketball coach who dreamed of coaching his son to the NBA, but after Kamal’s temper caused him to lose out on a scholarship, the dream slowly faded. Furthermore, Benji’s multiple sclerosis is worsening, and he’s spending more time in the hospital to combat the illness. Benji passes away later in the film, but the scene between him and Kamal in the hospital is powerful and a poignant reminder of how talented Reddick was.
Shirley (Wesley MacDonald “Mac” Holder)
While the details of the upcoming Netflix filmShirleyare scarce, the verified information is that it will star Regina King as Shirley Chisolm and feature actors Reddick, André Holland, Terrence Howard, Lucas Hedges, and Christina Jackson in supporting roles. Chisolm was the first Black Congresswoman and Black woman to run for President, and the film looks to chronicle her trailblazing journey. Although there isn’t a release date yet, we know that Reddick will star in the upcoming film as Wesley MacDonald “Mac” Holder, the campaign manager and aide to Chisolm, and we’re excited to see the two actors together onscreen.
Ballerina (Charon)
Set in the same universe as the game-changingJohn Wickfranchise, 2024’sBallerinawill star Ana de Armas as Rooney, a ballerina/assassin avenging the murder of her family. Further plot details are scarce at the moment, but alongside Armas,Ballerinawill star everyone’s favorite zombie hunter Norman Reedus, and welcome the return of fan favorites Ian McShane, Keanu Reeves, Anjelica Huston, and Reddick as Winston, Wick, The Director, and Charon, respectively. WhetherBallerinawill be a sequel or a prequel is yet to be seen, but with the massive talent attached to the film, we’re counting on Lionsgate to have another huge success under their belt when the moviehits theaters on June 7.
The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial (Captain Blakely)
The Caine Mutiny Court-Martialwill see Reddick star alongside fellow actors Monica Raymund and Griffin Dune in what appears tobe a legal drama. Reddick plays Captain Blakely, the commanding chief justice presiding over the courtroom.The Exorcistdirector William Friedkin will helm this project, and although there has never been a mutiny in the US Navy,Caine Mutinylooks to modernize its setting to that branch of the U.S. military.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Zeus)
Disney+’sPercy Jackson and the Olympiansis the latest live-action adaptation based on the Rick Riordan novels. Disney +’sPercy Jacksoncenters around the twelve-year-old demigod Jackson accused of stealing Zeus’ thunderbolt. The target audience for the latest installment is teens and young children, but with Reddick’s involvement, it might be safe to say his fan base will also check it out despite a children’s fantasy adventure series not ordinarily being their preferred genre.
Related:Why Lance Reddick Will Be Remembered
Horizon Forbidden West - Burning Shores (Sylens)
Reddick is no stranger to video games, considering his beloved turn as fan-favorite character Commander Zavala in Bungie’sDestinyfranchise. Sylens is the game’s deuteragonist and wandering traveler archetype character, often assisting the protagonist Aloy with her missions. A master strategist and skilled programmer, Sylens is one of the most intelligent characters in the game, and he constantly keeps Aloy and gamers on their toes whenever he’s onscreen.
Hellboy: Web of Wyrd (Hellboy)
Not to be confused with Guillermo del Toro’sHellboymovies,Hellboy: Web of Wyrdisan upcoming action-adventure roguelite video gamedeveloped by Upstream Arcade and published by Good Shephard Entertainment. Based on the same visual style asHellboycreator Mike Mignola,Web of Wyrd’s official release trailer impressed fans, as the game appears to be a love letter to Mignola’s work and a genuine treat to his fan base. The trailer only allows us to hear Reddick utter a handful of words, but his take on the character is unique, and we’re looking forward to seeing how well his voice translates when the game releases.
