Michael B. Jordan Was Devastated About His Character's Fate In The Wire, But The Creator Reassured Then 15-Year-Old Actor Why It Had To Happen

Michael B. Jordan was devastated about his character's fate in The Wire, but creator David Simon reassured the then-15-year-old actor why it had to happen. Premiered in 2002, the HBO crime drama chronicled the Baltimore drug scene through the eyes of the dealers and law enforcement. Jordan starred in The Wire as Wallace, a 16-year-old street-level dealer who, late in season 1, informs on the drug trade to the police and, as a result, he is killed by his fellow dealers, Bodie and Poot.

During a recent appearance on GQ's series in which actors revisit the most iconic characters from their careers, Michael B. Jordan remembered Wallace's death in The Wire. The actor was devastated when he learned about his character's fate, though Simon reassured the then-15-year-old actor why it had to happen. Read Jordan's full comments or watch the portion of the video below:

Cast members were dropping like flies from week to week. At some point you just like skim through the script just to make sure your name, you know what I'm saying, was still at the end of the end of the script like you made it through the whole episode. And I remember getting a script and I was just reading through and I just saw that he got killed and ah, man, I was devastated, you know what I'm saying? And then you get like a, the infamous knock from David Simon on your trailer door. And he rolled up in there and was like, he basically said, "We love you. Everybody loves you. The audience loves you, which is why we gotta kill you." And that's pretty much what he told me. At the time, that was the longest I've ever worked on a show with the same people. So it became a family, the rest of the cast were family and the crew.
I was 15 years old. You like, "Oh man, like, what do I do now? What do I, what's next?" And I really, I was really, really sad at that time. I think it was incredible. The Wire opened up so many doors for me. I think at the time when the show was coming on, when it was on air, you know, it wasn't as popular. And every season, I think the first two or three seasons, it was supposed to get canceled. And then finally, I think after season three, they read up for like four and five. And then that show didn't even really get crazy recognition until I was already off the show. But when I would go audition for things, casting directors and executives and producers and things of that nature, that was one of their favorite shows. So it definitely showed me a lot of love in future projects. And yeah, it definitely paved the way for me big time.

What Michael B. Jordan's Comments Mean For Wallace's Death In The Wire

Why It Was So Impactful

Michael B. Jordan remembers a line from David Simon that encapsulates why Wallace's death in The Wirewas so impactful. He was one of the most beloved figures in season 1 of the show, which made his death all the more heartbreaking for audiences. As a young and vulnerable drug dealer caught up in the harsh realities of Baltimore's streets, audiences empathized with the character's innocence and tragic circumstances. His death showcased the brutal realism of The Wire, proving that no character was safe, no matter how beloved they were.

The Wire: The Main Characters, Ranked From Worst To Best By Character Arc

The Wire created some truly unforgettable characters and their arcs throughout the story mostly did them all justice.

Posts

Jordan also remembers how The Wire wasn't the biggest hit when it aired, though it later became regarded as one of the greatest TV shows ever made. He recalls how the show constantly faced cancelation, and it only received true recognition years later. The Wire became a favorite among casting directors, producers, and executives, ultimately opening doors for Jordan's career and leading to his casting in Ryan Coogler's Fruitvale Station, Creed, and Black Panther – all of which cemented his status as a Hollywood star.

Our Take On Wallace's Death In The Wire

It Encapsulates The Show

Wallace's death was the emotional centerpiece of The Wire season 1, largely due to Michael B. Jordan's heartbreaking performance. The character embodied the tragic reality that a 16-year-old drug dealer is still just a kid, making his murder one of the show's most gut-wrenching moments. His death encapsulated The Wire's bleak and unflinching portrayal of systemic failure and street life, creating one of the show's most memorable scenes. Years later, Wallace and his tragic death remain unforgettable – a testament to Jordan's talent and the lasting impact of The Wire.

Source: GQ