James Gunn, the director known for revitalizing superhero stories, had envisioned Lance Reddick in a key role within the DC Universe before the actor’s passing in 2023. Renowned for his performances in series like The Wire and Fringe, as well as films including One Night in Miami… and the John Wick franchise, Reddick was a favorite choice for video games and animated superhero projects, lending his voice to characters such as Commander Zavala in the Destiny game series and villainous roles like Ra’s al Ghul and Lex Luthor.
Gunn highlighted the actor’s suitability and expressed his regret that Reddick could not continue contributing to the superhero genre, a space where he had already made significant marks.
The Role of Clemson Murn and Its Connection to Lance Reddick
On The Viall Files podcast, Gunn disclosed that he initially conceived the character Clemson Murn for Lance Reddick. He explained that Murn is a mercenary featured in the first season, portrayed by Chukwudi Iwuji, who later took on the villainous High Evolutionary in
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.”
Gunn praised Iwuji by saying,
“a great guy, one of the best actors I’ve ever worked with,”
before confirming,
“I wrote that role for Lance Reddick.”
Despite Reddick’s interest, scheduling conflicts with another series prevented him from accepting the part.
How Chukwudi Iwuji Made the Role His Own
James Gunn described the casting transition where Iwuji stepped in and brought a fresh perspective to Murn, which significantly shaped the character’s portrayal. Gunn stated,
“Lance wanted to do it, but he couldn’t because he had another show, and so I had to find another actor,”
adding,
“Somebody like Chuk, he just found a way in. Nothing changed about the dialogue that the character said, but the way he approached it was how he got that role.”
This interpretation earned praise as possibly the best performance of the show’s first season, effectively filling the gap left by Reddick’s absence.
Legacy of Lance Reddick and Future of the Character
Lance Reddick’s passing marked a significant loss to the superhero and entertainment communities, as his talents would likely have continued to enrich the DC Universe and other genres. While James Gunn acknowledged this loss, he expressed optimism about Chukwudi Iwuji, who has admirably stepped into the role’s demanding shoes. The role of Clemson Murn remains a symbol of what might have been, but also of the creative resilience in casting and performance that drives the DC Universe forward.
