A new and powerful voice for Commander Zavala will soon fill the universe of Destiny 2 and replace Lance Reddick, who passed away in March 2023. MeinMMO will tell you who this is and how Bungie will honor Lance Reddick’s legacy in the future.
Bungie announced: In yesterday’s “This Week at Destiny 2” blog, short “TWiD”, Bungie announced that they will continue the role of Commander Zavala in the English version with a new actor. The reason for this decision is the death of Lance Reddick on March 17, 2023 at the age of 60.
- In the blog, Bungie thanked Lance Reddick again and honored that he guided the Guardians through the most intense moments in Destiny’s history.
- He was active as the voice actor for Titan Commander Zavala for 9 years, voicing every single line from 2014 until his death.
- Additionally, he was the ideal embodiment for many Guardians and personally very popular, also because he liked to joke with the community and was a Guardian at heart.
However, since his death came so unexpectedly, Bungie now had to make a decision for the future in Destiny 2. Either close the old chapter of Zavala forever or open a new one. And this new chapter is named Keith David.
The new voice actor of Zavala is an icon
This is the new voice of Zavala in Destiny 2: Bungie has chosen to open a new chapter and has recalled the old Halo times. Because back then, the developer worked with Keith David. So they know each other.
The new voice actor Bungie has hired is also absolutely not a stranger:
- As an actor, he is known as “Shawn” from the world of Mortal Combat.
- In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, he voices Sergeant Foley.
- He also played the role of Captain David Anderson in the Mass Effect trilogy.
- In Halo, he is known as “Thel ‘Vadam”, better known as “Arbiter”.
- He also played a version of himself in Saints Row IV.
Like Lance Reddick, he is therefore considered a true icon. He is trusted to build upon the important role of his predecessor, who captured the essence of Zavala in a way that left a lasting impression on the Guardians.
In honor of Lance Reddick, all existing voicelines of Destiny will remain unchanged in the upcoming versions of Destiny 2.
Keith David will also voice the role of Commander Zavala not only in the upcoming DLC in the original English version but, as Bungie revealed, also beyond that.
Regarding his appointment as the new leader of the Vanguard, Keith said:
It is an honor for me to continue the great work of Lance Reddick as Zavala. Lance captured the integrity of the character so wonderfully. It is my intention to continue this work.
Keith David on his future task
What does the community say about this choice? The decision to choose Keith David as the new voice of Zavala is largely viewed as a respectful tribute to Lance Reddick’s legacy, while a new chapter in the story of Destiny 2 opens up.
The fans’ excitement for this unexpected connection between two gaming icons is enormous, and they look forward to Keith David continuing the legacy as Zavala.
- The player VikingNilsen comments: “Great choice! Good decision to continue the story of Zavala. Exactly what Lance would have wanted.”
- The Guardian Eobard thinks: “In my opinion, the best option. He was already in a better game with aliens, so it should be easy.”
Others are still struggling with the decision, like the player Jusт Aʀᴇʀu. Not because of Keith David as a person or actor, but due to the orientation of his previous roles. Therefore he finds:
I like Keith David, but I feel that his voice is too powerful for a character like Zavala. Lance’s portrayal of Zavala gave him an aura of calmness, deliberation, and special caution in his strategies, while Keith’s voice is more suited for badass characters like Spawn or the Arbiter.
the player Jusт Aʀᴇʀu notes
What do you think of the choice? Is it the right decision to continue this way? Or would you have preferred to see Zavala’s story come to an end with Lance Reddick? Please let us know your opinion in the comments.
