The Destiny 2 community comes together this weekend to pay tribute to the late Lance Reddick, who played Titan Vanguard Commander Zavala in Bungie’s space game since its original release in 2014. Reddick, who tragically died this week, is known for his roles on television. series that includes The Wire, Oz, and Bosch, along with his roles in games like Horizon and the upcoming Hellboy: Web of Wyrd, and he’s set to reprise his role as janitor Charon in John Wick Chapter 4, which is out. in March.
It’s hard to pick a single voice that defines Destiny, but Reddick’s consistent and inspiring performance as Zavala is certainly a top contender for that accolade. From his trademark, “Eyes up, Guardian,” to his involvement in the most recent expansion, Destiny 2 Lightfall, which opens with an impassioned speech from Zavala imploring the Guardians to “keep the enemy away from the Traveler, at all costs.” , Reddick’s instantly recognizable voice has been synonymous with Destiny for nearly a decade.
Reddick himself has long been an enthusiastic part of the Destiny 2 fanbase. Over the years, he’s often shared clips of himself attempting to play the game while fighting off the loving affections of his dogs, or taking advantage of the opportunity to read community memes and fan requests on his character as the iconic Comandante Zavala.
Bungie issued a statement Friday night that read: “Lance Reddick was an iconic presence on screen, in Destiny, and most importantly, in person. His love for our community shone through in Comandante Zavala, in his unwavering dedication to his craft and in the radiant kindness he touched those around him. To say that he will be missed is a profound understatement, but no less true. Rest in peace, Lance.
Other members of the team have also shared their thoughts, including senior dialogue designer Kareem Shuman. adding, “He was not only professional, he was also cheerful and fun in the recording sessions. His talent inspired us to new heights. He lit up our community, and I’m so sad he’s gone.”
Meanwhile, the community has taken it upon themselves to pay tribute in-game by visiting Commander Zavala in the Tower and holding group vigils as a show of respect. Many are gathering, using poses and gestures to stand around the Titan Vanguard, offering salutes, or holding up their glowing shields, hammers, and other such tools.
Writing gaming articles is, for the most part, a genuine joy and a task I enjoy doing. But this one really hurts. For me, Destiny’s Commander Zavala and The Wire’s Lieutenant Daniels will always be Reddick’s defining roles, but, just like those, I’ll also remember the smiling face of him every time he delivered another witty video shot on the phone of he. Reddick’s boundless enthusiasm and care for his work shone through in every appearance, and he will be sorely missed.
As tributes continue, players are honoring his Commander Zavala taking screenshots of the Destiny 2 Root of Nightmares raid victory together and bringing out their best Destiny 2 Titan builds no matter which of the Destiny 2 classes they would normally prefer.
