The world lost a phenomenal talent when American actor Lance Reddick passed away at 60 on March 17th last year. I had seen him in a bunch of movies like 2013’s Oldboy and The Guest but became more familiar with him through John Wick, reprising the role of suave concierge Charon throughout the series. He’s best known for playing Cedric Daniels in the HBO series The Wire, which I finally started watching recently, and he’s fantastic in it. Tragically, there are only a couple of posthumous performances remaining for the legend, the first being the movie Shirley on Netflix.
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Shirley movie streaming on Netflix
Shirley premiered on Netflix on Friday, March 22nd 2024, bringing to the screen the story of the first Black congresswoman, Shirley Chisholm.
The monumental American politician was elected into the United States Congress in 1968 and represented New York’s 12th congressional district for seven terms, holding the position from 1969 to 1983.
Additionally, she was put forth as the very first black candidate for a major-party nomination for US president in 1972, as well as the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.
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Working to expose and fight against social inequality and injustice, Shirley is a powerful and important figure to commemorate with a biopic, and there was arguably no better actress to play her than Oscar-winner Regina King (If Beale Street Could Talk).
Along with writing and direction from John Ridley, who won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for his work on the unforgettable 2013 movie 12 Years A Slave, it’s an unmissable and inspirational film—and that’s before you even get to Lance’s stunning performance.
Regina King wanted Lance Reddick for Shirley
Lance commands the role of Wesley McDonald “Mac” Holder, a real-life politician and Shirley’s right-hand man.
“Lance was the first and only person I reached out to play Mac Holder, because of Lance’s presence,” Regina revealed during a recent interview with The Wrap.
“I already had a relationship with him, I’d already worked with Lance. So I know the professional that he is, and I had hoped that he’d be available or would even be interested, and he was. We talked about Arthur [Hardwick Jr.], who Arthur should be, and we wanted someone who has that swag, but also that stature – that can be quiet and play the nuanced moment, but also can be big when needed to be big.”
The part of Arthur ultimately went to Terrence Howard (Empire), who’s also on great form.
Seeing Lance’s brilliant performance is bittersweet, knowing it’s the second to last posthumous role we’re getting from him. All the same, it’s mesmerizing to see him work. When his final performance rolls around in the upcoming John Wick spin-off Ballerina, there will no doubt be some tears shed.
Shirley is now streaming exclusively on Netflix.
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