Keith David Joins Destiny 2 as Commander Zavala

Bungie has announced that the new voice of Destiny 2‘s Commander Zavala will be none other than the legendary Keith David. David is known for a variety of acclaimed performances, having appeared in Cloud Atlas, Pitch Black, and the Halo franchise. He will now continue Zavala’s journey following the tragic news that the character’s former actor, Lance Reddick, had passed away earlier this year.

The Destiny 2 community was hit with the news about Reddick last March, bringing his long tenure as the talent behind Destiny‘s Commander Zavala to an untimely end. Reddick was responsible for a substantial number of iconic video game, film, and TV show roles. The issue with Destiny, specifically, was that Bungie would need to recast Zavala moving forward or scrap the character entirely.

Thankfully, Bungie went with the former option. The beloved character will continue leading the Guardians in their struggle against the forces of Darkness.

“I am honored to continue the great work of Lance Reddick as Zavala,” said David. “Lance captured the character’s sense of integrity so wonderfully. It is my intention to continue that work.”

Lance Reddick’s work will remain

In previous instances of character recasting in Destiny 2, the new actors would re-voice all the old, existing dialogue alongside the new stuff. However, Bungie clarified that this wouldn’t be the case for Zavala. According to the official statement, Reddick’s existing voice-work as Commander Zavala will remain untouched “for the upcoming release.”

It is worth pointing out that this isn’t the first time that Keith David has joined forces with Bungie. Notably, he voiced the Arbiter in Halo 2 and Halo 3. It goes without saying that the role of Zavala is particularly significant, considering the character’s history.

“Bungie is honored to continue the relationship that began with Keith during the days of Halo, and the team is excited for what he brings to the role of the Commander,” Bungie wrote in the announcement’s conclusion. “We will always remain respectful to the role Zavala has played thus far, and look forward to the journey ahead.”