The Unbeatable Challenge: Why Horizon's Sylens Defies Recasting

Lance Reddick, a renowned talent in movies, games, and television, brought to life unforgettable characters that left an indelible mark. His sudden passing in March 2023 greatly impacted the gaming community, particularly the gamers who had formed a deep connection with his portrayals. Reddick was most recognized for his roles as Zavala, the Vanguard Commander of the Last City in Destiny, and Sylens, the enigmatic deuteragonist of the Horizon series. Recently, voice actor Keith David was announced as the replacement for Zavala, but finding a suitable replacement for Sylens proves to be a daunting task. This is because Sylens not only shared the actor's appearance but also held a prominent position in the future of the Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores.

Horizon Forbidden West serves as the sequel to the 2017 game Horizon Zero Dawn and picks up the story six months later. Aloy embarks on a mission to locate a functioning backup of GAIA, a collection of programs that can restore Earth's biosphere. The journey takes her to the Forbidden West, guided by the enigmatic Sylens, where she encounters new human tribes, formidable machines, and vital allies. The primary adversaries in this title are the advanced humans known as Far Zenith, a group of billionaires who escaped Earth during a past global catastrophe. Aloy discovers that they have unknowingly triggered a second catastrophe, called Nemesis, which now threatens Earth itself.

Lance Reddick Lends More than His Voice to Horizon's Sylens

Lance Reddick's unmistakable voice allowed him to infuse each of his roles with a unique touch of his own. As a result, many players will always associate him with the characters of Zavala and Sylens. However, with the announcement that Keith David will be taking over the role of Zavala, fans can't help but feel that a significant part of the character has been lost. It marks a new era for Zavala in more ways than one, but it's difficult to forget the impact that Reddick and his portrayal had on the community. Even Keith David acknowledges the weight of his undertaking. This loss is even more poignant for Sylens.

The news of Lance Reddick's passing was a shock to the Horizon community, as he lent his voice, motion capture performance, and likeness to the crucial character of Sylens. Every aspect of Sylens embodied Reddick's distinct style, gravitas, and talent. Consequently, the decision to potentially recast the character is met with controversy and trepidation, especially compared to the situation with Zavala. Guerrilla Games, the developers of Horizon, could have chosen to retire the character, particularly considering the recent Burning Shores DLC in Horizon Forbidden West. However, removing Sylens from the story would not go unnoticed, although it may be the best course of action.

Lance Reddick's Sylens is Crucial to the Future of the Horizon Series

Sylens, a character in the Burning Shores DLC, plays a vital role by informing Aloy about Londra, a remaining Zenith member located in the ruins of Los Angeles. Londra is believed to hold the key to defeating Nemesis, so Aloy embarks on a journey to uncover a strategy for victory before the arrival of the machine on Earth. With Sylens' assistance, Aloy gains insight into Londra's past as a tech mogul and celebrity, earning him reverence as a god among deserters of the Quen tribe. After defeating Londra, Aloy shares his data with Sylens for decryption.

Through his analysis, Sylens uncovers information related to a list of companies that were developing experimental weapons prior to the Earth's extinction event. These companies potentially possess the means to defeat Nemesis when it comes to Earth. The Burning Shores DLC concludes with Sylens arriving at The Base, the operational headquarters of Aloy and her allies. In Aloy's room, Sylens admits his inability to defeat Nemesis alone, displaying humility for the first time and establishing himself as a significant ally moving forward.

The death of Reddick has raised doubts about the future of one of Horizon's highly knowledgeable and pivotal characters. Guerrilla Games is now confronted with the difficult choice of either replacing Sylens, given his significance to the storyline, or honoring the powerful, enigmatic, and skilled portrayal left behind by the late Lance Reddick as a lasting legacy.

Horizon Forbidden West is currently accessible for both PS4 and PS5.