The Destiny 2 community received the sad news that Lance Reddick, the voice of Commander Zavala and “John Wick” star, unexpectedly passed away at the age of 60. Guardians from all over the world express their condolences in the game, honoring a great actor.
As TMZ reported on the afternoon of March 17, 2023, Lance Reddick passed away at the age of only 60.
Who was Lance Reddick? Lance Reddick was the kind of actor who improved every single project just by being there. Including Destiny 2.
- In Destiny 2, Lance Reddick was known as the voice actor of Titan Lord Zavala for 9 years. He has been speaking every voice line of Zavala since 2014.
Who is Commander Zavala in Destiny 2?
Commander Zavala is the commander of the Last City in Destiny 2 and has been a pillar of the Destiny universe since 2017. He is also one of the first characters players encounter in the game after awakening as a Guardian and blasting their way through an alien-infested planet.
For a long time, Commander Zavala was aloof and a stoic old Titan who has seen much – but not much more was known. Only with the “Witch Queen” DLC did Bungie let players peek under his iron shell and significantly developed his character.
When you saw Commander Zavala in the Tower, standing alone and looking at the Traveler while discussing the current chaotic state of the Vanguard, his allies, and the universe, it was always the voice of Lance Reddick that conveyed it all in soothing but very certain words.
- Additionally, you could also hear his voice in other video games, such as “Horizon Zero Dawn”, “Vox Machina”, “Paradise PD”, or “Quantum Break”.
- He also played alongside Keanu Reeves in the “John Wick” films as the smart concierge Charon of the Continental in New York and always had to watch the dog there.
- You also know him from other acting roles like game villain Albert Wesker in “Resident Evil”, Lieutenant Cedric Daniels in “The Wire”, Philip Broyles in the sci-fi series “Fringe: Cases of the FBI”, Papa Legba in “American Horror Story”, or as Irvin Irving in “Bosch”.
He was happy to be a part of Destiny
As long as he worked for Bungie, Reddick enjoyed interacting regularly with Destiny fans on his personal Twitter account. Many Guardians remember him for his charming, easy-going nature and small jokes.
His death came far too suddenly: His last message on Twitter was shared on March 15, and a day before his death he played in Destiny 2 the seasonal story of the season and explored Neomuna.
Although the cause of his death is unknown, it is said to be a “sudden and natural death.” His agent Mia Hansen explained this to the AFP news agency. Thus, a legend left us far too early, leaving Destiny players particularly in mourning.
Lance Reddick has long held a special place in the hearts of Destiny players. Therefore, his death now touches thousands of Guardians.
Especially since Lance Reddick saw himself as one of them, as he once revealed in an interview with Polygon: “At the end of the day, I’m just a big fan who happens to also give a voice to one of the characters.”
The Guardians in Destiny appreciated that a famous actor and voice actor not only worked for Bungie, but loved Destiny and shared that love with them.
Guardians from around the world show their condolences in Destiny 2
This is how the Guardians show their respect: Numerous members of the Destiny community have already expressed their condolences to the relatives of Lance Reddick.
And those who logged into the game afterward could see many Guardians kneeling in memory of the deceased actor in front of his Destiny alter-ego Commander Zavala or gathering around him with respectful emotes.
Destiny Bulletin shared some images of this on Twitter:
Player Robert Young expresses the feelings of mourning Guardians directly:
I know that most people know Lance Reddick from television and movies, but for us Destiny 2 players, he was the voice of Commander Zavala, who inspired us Guardians over the last decade. Since we heard the news, we have gathered silently at his location in the Tower.
tweeted Robert Young
Guillaume Colomb, Narrative Director for Bungie at Imagendary Studios tweeted: “I had the honor of working with Lance Reddick on Destiny 2 for many years. I even met him in person once and he was the nicest person you could imagine. He approached his work with Zavala so thoughtfully. Such a loss.”
This is what Bungie says about the unexpected loss
Update, March 18: Bungie has now also spoken up and announced:
Lance was an icon on the screen, in Destiny, and especially in person. His love for our community was reflected in Commander Zavala, in his unwavering dedication to his task, and in the radiating kindness that touched everyone around him. To say we will miss him is a profound understatement, but no less true. Rest in peace, Lance.
Bungie commented on the sad news via twitter
Even though Lance Reddick is no longer in this world, the influence he had through his work as Zavala on the lives of Guardians will always be remembered and immortalized. Please take a moment to appreciate and celebrate the man behind the character and the joy he brought to the players.
What special moment do you remember with Lance Reddick or Commander Zavala? Leave us a comment on MeinMMO and share it with the community in memory of one of us.
