Keanu Reeves honoured his late co-star Lance Reddick as he arrived on the red carpet for the premiere of his latest film, John Wick: Chapter 4, held at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on Monday.
The Canadian superstar, 58, paid tribute to Lance who died at the age of 60 on Friday – by wearing a blue ribbon on the lapel of his black suit, because it was the actor’s favourite colour.
Reddick was in the middle of a promo tour for the film, in which he starred as the concierge Charon, when he was found unresponsive in his home in Studio City, California, days after failing to turn up to a premiere in New York.
Speaking of Reddick at the event, Reeves said: ‘Just to be in his light and to get a chance to work with him, I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. He had such a passion for his work and his craft. He was gracious. He had a dignity to him and a presence.’
Many other actors at the premiere were also seen wearing blue ribbons, including Laurence Fishburne, who spoke fondly of his late co-star on the red carpet, and said: ‘We lost our brother, and in a really sort of very shocking way.
Tribute: Keanu Reeves honoured his late co-star Lance Reddick as he arrived on the red carpet for the premiere of his latest film, John Wick: Chapter 4, held at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on Monday
Heartbreaking: Reddick was in the middle of a promo tour for the film, in which he starred as the concierge Charon, when he was found unresponsive in his home in Studio City, California , days after failing to turn up to a premiere in New York
‘I think we’re all still in shock. Life is, hard sometimes.’ He continued: ‘He’s the goodness of this film. He was kind of, in many ways, the heart of the film because his character loved John Wick.
Director Chad Stahelski said: ‘You know, it’s always hard when you lose someone that you love dearly… but you’re also incredibly grateful for the time you had together. We were fortunate enough to work with Lance since the very beginning of the John Wick franchise. I mean it’s been almost 10 years.’
‘I really wish he could be with us tonight, but, you know, life. But we’re very fortunate to have known him. And he’s a great man, a great artist, a great human, a dear friend.’
Meanwhile, Chad told Variety, when asked if he had any special memories of Reddick: ‘It’s not just one memory. It’s not just one day. It’s a collective. I had Lance in my life almost 10 years.
‘Although that was done over the course of four films, we’ve worked together on other things. I just got to be happy and be proud of the fact that I got to spend so much time with him. We’re going to miss him.’
Shamier Moore, a newcomer to the Wick franchise, recalled how Reddick took time to say a kind word on set.
Moore said: ‘I grew up watching Lance Reddick. It is a bittersweet moment because he was definitely one of my heroes growing up as an actor, as a Black actor
‘And even though we didn’t share screen time together in this film, we shared some time off camera and he was salt of the Earth when he first met me.
Handsome: The Canadian superstar, 58, was handsome as ever at the event, sporting a classic black suit, which he teamed with a navy shirt and a stylish grey tie
Exciting: Reeves returns as John Wick in the film, which will see him discover a way to defeat the mysterious assassin organization known as The High Table
Co-stars: While at the premiere he was spotted mingling with his John Wick and Matrix co-star Laurence Fishburne, 61
Trendy: Fishburne showed off his fashion sense in a pinstripe suit worn over a light purple shirt and grey shoes
Spectacular: Rina’s spectacular gown featured a leather train and a sizzling slit
‘He said, ‘Shamier, you’re incredible. I love your work man’, and like, it melted me like a puddle. ‘
According to Variety, after the film was introduced by Reeves and Stahelski and the screening began, Reddicks first appearance on screen received a warm round of applause from the audience.
Newcomer Hiroyuki Sanada, who shares no sceens with Reddick’s Charon in the film, revealed he has been a fan of the actor for almost a decade.
Hiroyuki told the publication: ‘His role was considered one of my favorite character. I could see him at the beginning of this month during the junket. I knew he was a great actor, but I recognized how he was a kind person and a great human being. So I was shocked. I still can’t believe it. Hopefully, people can enjoy his performance in this movie and never forget him.’
The sequel – which became the highest-rated installment in the blockbuster franchise – follows John Wick as he discovers a way to defeat the mysterious assassin organization known as The High Table.
The fourth installment of the action-packed franchise brings back characters such as Winston (Ian McShane), Charon (Lance Reddick), and Laurence Fishburne (The Bowery King) alongside Mr. Wick.
It will also introduce new characters, such as Caine (Donnie Yen), Marquis (Bill Skarsgard), Shimazu (Hiroyuki Sanada), Tracker (Shamier Anderson), Akira (Rina Sawayama), Killa (Scott Adkins) and Katia (Natalia Tena).
Edgy: The Japanese singer-songwriter styled her black tresses in a wet look and wore smokey eye makeup for the night
Simply stunning: The British actress wore her dark hair in a wet look and also sported a blue ribbon in honor of Lance
John Wick: Chapter 4 has become the highest-rated installment in Keanu Reeves’ blockbuster franchise as critics praise the film as one of the greatest action movies of all time
After nearly 90 reviews, the latest instalment of Keanu Reeves’ beloved action saga has scored a stellar 93 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
Reviewing the film for Cinapse, Ed Travis called John Wick: Chapter 4 ‘simply one of the greatest action films of this generation, and perhaps of all time.’
The surefire hit premieres in theaters nationwide on March 24, but early reactions have raved about the action-packed set pieces and Keanu’s central performance.
On Sunday, Reddick’s wife, Stephanie, has broken her silence for the first time since the ‘unexpected’ death of her beloved husband thanking fans for their ‘overwhelming support’ in a post to Instagram.
Reddick died aged 60 of ‘natural causes’ on Friday morning – leaving Stephanie heartbroken – after their more than a decade long marriage.
Stephanie posted four photos of the late 60-year-old expressing her gratitude in the online tribute to her husband who she said was ‘taken from us far too soon.’
Stunner: Mishel Prada, 33, stunned in a black sequin gown with a front cut-out that showed off her trim abs, and a sizzling side slit
Wow! Jena Frumes put on a very busty display in a form-fitting halter neck black bodysuit. Aliia Roza had all eyes on her wearing a unique textured black bra, black leather pants and elbow-length gloves
Elegant: Skai Jackson, 20, wowed in a metallic top and black skirt, which she teamed with a cropped blazer and heels
Business chic: Taya Miller and Colombian actress Catalina Sandino Moreno, 41, opted for business chic looks, sporting stylish black pantsuits
Ravishing: Jessica Allain, 32, looked ravishing in a black slip dress, which she paired with a gold belt
Reddick – who played Cedric Daniels in hit crime series The Wire – died from ‘suddenly’ and from natural causes,’ his agent Mia Hansen said.
‘Lance will be greatly missed. Please respect his family’s privacy at this time,’ Hansen said in a statement.
Tributes poured in for the ‘incredibly talented’ actor after his body was reportedly discovered in his home in Studio City, California at 9.30am.
The news came just a day after uploaded a photo of himself curled up with his three dogs at home in an Instagram promotional post about Hard Rock hotels and National Puppy Day.
He wrote: ‘On screen and off, it’s no surprise I love spoiling my dogs.’
On Wednesday evening he was due to attend a premiere for Wick 4 alongside co-star Reaves but failed to turn up. Reddick did not explain his absence. He was also reportedly scheduled to appear on The Kelly Clarkson show next week.
Three days earlier he shared a video of himself joyously singing ‘and the beat goes on’ as his canines barked in the background.
Reddick will be best remembered for his role as Daniels on the hit HBO crime series The Wire, appearing in all 60 episodes alongside stars including Dominic West and Idris Elba.
Dynamic duo: One Tree Hill star Chad Michael Murray, 41, looked cool as ever in a black tee and grey jeans, and was joined by wife Sarah Roemer, 38
Bright: Influencer Francesca Farago, 30, was a head-turned in a vivid orange gown with a frilly bottom, that put her ample cleavage on display. Singer Ally Brooke, 29, also opted for some color, wearing a sparkling lime mini dress and platform heels
Updo: She wore her tresses in an updo and glammed up with dramatic eyelashes
Lovely: Elisa Donovan, 52, looked chic in a white suit and a plunging black top, which she layered with a number of necklaces
Rocker pair: Shannon Tweed, 66, attended the event with her rocker husband Gene Simmons, 73
Coo pair: Titus Welliver, 61, looked cool in a black leather jacket and was joined by wife Jose Stemkens
Stylish man: Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad actor Bob Odenkirk, 60, looked charming in a classic black suit
Silver fox: He accessorized with a black belt and wore his silver tresses combed to the side
Men’s fashion: Chilean martial artist Marko Zaror, 44, showed off his rugged good looks in a simple black suit. Actor and model Ben Robson, 39, stood out from the rest in a short-sleeve black button-up and grey shoes
Think pink: Canadian comedian Stephen Kramer Glickman, 44, made a bold choice, wearing a bright pink suit and pink-tinted shades
Smartly dressed: Shamier Anderson, 31, was every inch the gentleman in a three-piece navy suit and polka dot tie
Looking good: British actor Scott Adkins, 46, looked classically handsome in a silver tie and dark suit. Colin Woodell, 31, opted for a navy suit with white buttons and a light blue shirt, which he left slightly unbuttoned
Standing out: Romain Bonnet wore a pair of tight blue jeans with a knee-rip, along with a white tee and a tan leather jacket
Casual cool: Dancing with the Stars entertainer Derek Hough, 37, looked casual cool in a denim shirt and black jeans. Selling Sunset star Jason Oppenheim, 45, also wore denim, with a Dior jacket and pants
Father and son duo: Terry Crews, 54, brought his son Isaiah, 18, who sported a bandage on his nose. Both men matched in white shirts, black ties and dress shoes
Bonding time: Another father and son duo on the red carpet were Frank Grillo and Remy Grillo
Cool guys: Donnie Yen, 59, opted for color, wearing a vivid blue blazer and black pants. Mark Dacascos, 59, went with a classy black suit and turtleneck. The two were seen goofing off in front of the shutterbugs
With family: Yen was joined by his stylish family
Showing off: Dacascos was seen showing off his athletic moves at the premiere
Well-dressed: Clancy Brown, 64, looked cool as ever in a black suit and a matching fedora
The stuntman: Stuntman Chad Stahelski, 54, covered up his muscles in a well-fitting black suit
John Wick: Chapter 4 is set to arrive in theaters March 24.
The original John Wick debuted in October 2014, debuting with a modest $14.4 million and earning $43 million domestic and $43 million from foreign markets for an $86 million worldwide gross from a $20 million budget.
Each of the sequels has grown since then, with 2017’s John Wick: Chapter 2 debuting to $30.4 million en route to $92 million domestic and $171.5 million worldwide from a reported budget of $40 million.
2019’s John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum opened to an impressive $56.8 million ahead of a strong $171 million domestic haul and $328.3 million worldwide from a $75 million budget.
While hitting the red carpet for the London premiere last week, Reeves opened up about why he keeps returning to the character.
‘I like his humor, I like his will, I like his grief, and it’s really fun to play him in these films, these films are fun,’ Reeves told Metro.
He added, ”I try really hard, but with John, you have to try just a little bit harder,’ revealing the character pushes his limits as an actor.
The action-packed franchise will continue to expand, with a spin-off entitled Ballerina starring Ana de Armas that is in production, with Reeves slated to return as John Wick.
There is also a TV spin-off entitled The Continental that was originally being developed at Starz and is now happening at Peacock, expected to debut later this year.
Talented trio: Anderson and Reeves were seen posing with film producer Basil Iwanyk
All together! The cast posed for a group photo at the event; (L-R) Adkins, Zaror, Shamier Anderson, Sawayama, Sanada, Reeves, Erica Lee, Stahelski, McShane, Fishburne, Joe Drake, Tena, Brown, David Leitch, and Iwanyk
Coming soon! John Wick: Chapter 4 is set to arrive in theaters on March 24
