On Monday (March 20) the film premiere of “John Wick: Part 4” took place in Los Angeles with Keanu Reeves and director Chad Stahelski. However, the celebratory event was primarily a commemoration and funeral service: one of the great characters in the films, the American actor Lance Reddick, died suddenly on Friday, March 17, at the age of 60. The cause of death is unknown until now. Thus, not only the release of the film was celebrated, but rather honored Lance and thus his person, his life and his work.
“John Wick” film premiere in LA – the eulogies
To commemorate Reddick at the American film premiere, everyone attending Monday night’s event first received a blue lapel pin upon arrival in front of the Chinese Theater in Los Angeles. Blue was the actor’s favorite color. Then Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski introduced the sad subject through their speeches on the red (respectively black) carpet.
Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski on Reddick
Keanu Reeves said on the carpet in an interview with Variety: “Lance is a person, a special artist, a gentleman with grace and dignity. Every time he stepped onto the set, it was very special to see the passion he had for his work. It was really easy to work with him.”
Stahelski added: “It’s not just a memory. It’s not just one day. It’s a collective. I had Lance in my life for almost ten years. Although that happened over the course of four films, we also worked together on other things. I just have to be happy and proud that I was able to spend so much time with him. We will miss him.”
After an introduction on stage by Reeves and Stahelski, the screening of the fourth film began. When Reddick first appeared on screen at the beginning of the film, he received a big round of applause from the audience, Variety reported.
Hiroyuki Sanada on Reddick
Series newcomer Hiroyuki Sanada, who only has a role in the fourth installment, said during the evening: “His role was one of my favorite characters. I was able to see him earlier this month during the [Film-]see junks. I knew he was a great actor, but I also realized that he was a kind person and a great human being. So I was shocked. I still can not believe it. Hopefully people can enjoy his performance in this film and will never forget him.”
Series creator Derek Kolstad on Reddick
Kolstad tearfully said of the death of his colleague and friend: “One of the best things about Lance is that after the first film we became friends. That was about a decade ago now. He’s a great actor, but he’s an even better person. He’s a kind man, a gentleman. He just wore his heart on his sleeve.”
“John Wick: Chapter 4” starts on March 23 in German cinemas.
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