Titus Welliver Opens Up About His Thrilling ‘Equalizer’ Role and Why He Loved Working with Queen Latifah

Titus Welliver may be known for his iconic role as Harry Bosch, the hard-boiled detective at the center of Bosch and Bosch: Legacy, but now he’s stepping into a new, yet familiar world of high-stakes drama. The actor, famous for his brooding portrayal of the titular character in the Bosch franchise, is guest-starring in The Equalizer Season 5, Episode 16, titled Sins of the Father, where he plays Elijah Reed, a former CIA operative with a mysterious past. The episode, which aired on April 20, serves as a potential backdoor pilot for a new spinoff.

For Welliver, this marks a welcome shift in roles, as Elijah Reed is a departure from his usual intense, stoic characters. “I had a blast doing it,” Welliver told Parade, praising his co-stars, especially Juani Feliz, who plays his daughter Samantha. “Juani is a marvelous actor. She’s great, and it was really wonderful to finally get to work with Latifah, who I’ve known for a long time.”

A New Role in a Familiar Genre

While viewers may be used to Welliver’s reserved and rigid portrayal of Harry Bosch, Elijah Reed is a more open and emotionally dynamic character. Describing Reed as “more open and demonstrative,” Welliver likens him to a “Jason Bourne without the memory problems,” bringing a refreshing contrast to his previous role. This shift offers Welliver an opportunity to showcase a new side of his acting range, while still staying in the realm of gripping drama that he’s known for.

“I love that show; it’s just fun,” Welliver shared about The Equalizer, noting that he enjoyed the original version of the series with Edward Woodward, as well as the films starring Denzel Washington. He also expressed admiration for Queen Latifah’s portrayal of Robyn McCall. “I love what Latifah does with McCall,” Welliver added, highlighting his respect for the Equalizer franchise and the opportunity to collaborate with such a talented cast.

In Sins of the Father, Welliver’s character, Elijah Reed, teams up with McCall after his daughter Samantha (played by Juani Feliz) comes to her for help when her father mysteriously disappears. What starts as a missing persons case soon evolves into a deeper, more complex story, revealing long-buried family secrets tied to Reed’s past, including connections to the Dominican Republic. The episode’s emotionally charged storyline showcases the high stakes and drama that The Equalizer is known for, providing Welliver with a chance to explore a more vulnerable side of his character.

A Potential New Chapter in The Equalizer Universe

While there has been no official confirmation about an Equalizer spinoff featuring Welliver’s character, CBS appears to be testing the waters with this episode. If the fan response is strong, there’s potential for Elijah Reed’s story to continue. For now, Welliver is enjoying the chance to take on something new after his long tenure on Bosch. “It was really, really great to step into that world,” Welliver said, expressing his eagerness to return to the role. “I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

Welliver’s experience as a leading man in complex, high-stakes dramas makes him more than equipped for the role, and it’s clear he’s not ready to leave behind his knack for intense, emotionally charged storytelling just yet.

Looking Ahead

As The Equalizer continues its run on CBS on Sundays at 10 PM ET, fans of Welliver will have the chance to see how his new role compares to his iconic past performances. With the possibility of a spinoff hanging in the air, Welliver is poised to bring fresh energy to a new chapter in his career while still honoring his roots in dramatic, action-packed storytelling.

Whether or not Reed’s story continues, Welliver is content to explore new projects and take on new challenges. One thing is for certain—his time in The Equalizer universe has already left a mark, and he’s eager to dive back in.