Upon reaching the conclusion of Alan Wake 2, after an astonishing mid-credits scene, Remedy pays tribute to two significant individuals who have collaborated with the studio throughout its history: actor Lance Reddick and developer Sami Vanhatalo.
Renowned for his captivating gaze and the seriousness that permeated his portrayals, Reddick notably brought the enigmatic character Martin Hatch to life in Quantum Break back in 2016. He lent his voice and likeness to the game while also starring in the game's live-action episodes, seamlessly woven into the campaign. Besides his role in Quantum Break, Reddick's remarkable acting talent has graced renowned television series such as The Wire and Fringe, as well as appearing in the action film franchise John Wick. In the realm of video games, he also lent his voice to Commander Zavala in the Destiny series and portrayed Sylens in PlayStation's Horizon series. Tragically, he passed away earlier this year.
Vanhalato, on the other hand, was not only a co-founder of Remedy but also a remarkable Remedy developer. He played a significant role in bringing the studio's earliest games, Death Rally and the Max Payne series, to life. Sadly, he passed away in 2020. Consequently, Alan Wake 2 stands as the first game shipped by Remedy since his untimely demise.
In regards to Reddick, it is plausible that he may have taken on a starring role in Alan Wake 2. This speculation stems from the popular fan theory that Mr. Door, a character in the game, is actually Martin Hatch portrayed within an alternate dimension. Despite Remedy not having ownership of the Quantum Break IP, the concept of a mind-bending multiverse within the Remedy Connected Universe allows for the creation of legally transformative characters that still carry echoes of past characters. For instance, Alex Casey in Alan Wake 2 serves as a clear nod to the iconic character of Max Payne himself.
David Harewood brings Mr. Door to life, showcasing his talent and expertise from CW's DC Comics franchises, Killzone, and Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare. Whether he fills in for Reddick or takes on the role independently, Harewood's performance is exceptional.