The loss of Lance Reddick appears to have left an immediate void in the film and television industries. Though the actor is justly recognized for his roles in a variety of shows and movies, including John Wick, The Wire, and The Eric Andre Show, we believe that one of his most intriguing roles was ahead of all. In fact, it is hard to ignore the exquisite way he depicted the Greek mythological god of thunder and sky ruling as the king of the gods.
Sadly, the actor passed away while working on a number of projects, but one of the most eagerly awaited was Zeus, the fierce King of the Olympians whose thunderbolt had been stolen. This marked his last TV appearance before he passed away in March 2023.
However, one topic that sparked intense debate was the casting of Zeus as a Black man, portrayed by the late Maryland-born actor. But with one of Zeus’ surnames being Aethiops, which means ‘glowing or black’, this casting controversy seems unnecessary.
Debunking the Unnecessary Controversy over Lance Reddick’s Casting as Zeus
Disney’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians, created by Rick Riordan and Jonathan E. Steinberg, featured a handful of Greek gods. Starring Walker Scobell as preteen Percy Jackson, the show is based on Rick Riordan’s book series of the same name. Lance Reddick’s last TV appearance as Zeus in the Disney+ series was a somewhat fitting farewell for his TV career, particularly after he passed away in March 2023 from cardiac disease.
As we all know, ancient Greek myths have a long history of depicting gods and goddesses with diverse skin tones and physical characteristics. You may have seen Zeus depicted as a white-bearded god wielding thunderbolts over the heavens. This may have also contributed to the controversy surrounding the late actor’s casting in the role.
We learned from Perseus Digital Library that one of Zeus’ surnames in Greek mythology is Aethiops, which means glowing or black, referring to individuals with a darker skin tone. Thus, by portraying Zeus as a Black man, the series successfully embraced this ancient representation of the gods, highlighting the diversity found in Greek mythology.
And this clearly demonstrates that the controversy was completely baseless, absurd, and unnecessary. Reddick’s portrayal offered a refreshing twist, proving that a powerful and authoritative figure transcends racial boundaries. There is no denying that this casting decision was a step in the direction of diversity and inclusivity in the film industry.
Lance Reddick’s ‘Incredible’ Performance as Zeus Was Remembered By Percy Jackson Producer
Lance Reddick gave fans one last glimpse of his breathtaking genius during his final TV appearance as the formidable Zeus in the Disney+ series Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Working with Reddick was an “incredible experience”, according to series producer Dan Shotz, who spoke with Screen Rant. Shotz recalled the following about what Reddick contributed to his last role:
“It was an incredible experience with him. We miss him dearly, and I think the thing that I look back most [on] is his connection to the kids. Showing up as his Zeus, the kids were intimidated. Not only because it’s Lance Reddick, but also this character that’s been built up all season; seeing him and how powerful he is.”
Following the news of Reddick’s death last year, Rick Riordan was among many who paid their respects. Having seen the actor portray Zeus, Riordan was quick to praise the late actor’s performance as well as provide insight into the man behind the actor. At the time, he said (via Movie Web):
“We are devastated to hear of the untimely passing of Lance Reddick, our Zeus in season one of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. I’ve been in shock since yesterday, trying to understand how such a vibrant, kind and talented man could be so quickly taken from the world.”
The entertainment industry, as well as the actor’s devoted following, suffered a great loss with Lance Reddick’s death. Having worked in a variety of genres, including uncredited roles in Godzilla (1998) and John Wick (as Charon), his role in Percy Jackson and the Olympians was merely another vehicle to introduce him to a new audience.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians is available to stream on Disney+.
