SUMMARY
  • The Replacer has been a constant presence in the numbered Black Ops titles since the second installment in 2012.
  • Peter Stormare has made a comeback to the Call of Duty franchise after six years, with his last appearance being in Black Ops 4.
  • Treyarch's handling of everything related to Black Ops 6 is garnering the developer a lot of praise from the fanbase.

The Call of Duty franchise has consistently had interesting combinations of live-action and in-game footage for many of its titles’ marketing, and it only makes sense for Black Ops 6 to continue the tradition in the iconic way that Treyarch’s series established more than a decade ago.

Kicking off with Black Ops 2 back in 2012, The Replacer has been a constant presence in arguably the greatest Call of Duty sub-series, showing up in marketing footage leading up to the games’ releases and played by none other than Peter Stormare, known for his popular roles in Prison Break, John Wick, and more.

Not showing up for the preceding Black Ops Cold War in 2020, it has been nearly six years since the Call of Duty fanbase got blessed with another installment in The Replacer campaign, and his glorious return points to the franchise finally moving in the right, familiar direction.

The Replacer Returns for Black Ops 6, Replacing a Father, the Pope, and More

Peter Stormare reprises his iconic role as The Replacer during the marketing campaign for Black Ops 6.
Peter Stormare reprises his iconic role as The Replacer during the marketing campaign for Black Ops 6.

Although Treyarch’s overall approach to how the developer is handling the various aspects of the upcoming Black Ops 6 has been met with a stellar reception among the Call of Duty fanbase, The Replacer’s comeback showcases just how dedicated the studio is to taking the franchise back on track towards its former glory.

For those unaware of the concept behind the returning character portrayed by Peter Stormare, The Replacer basically acts as a humorous placeholder for players who may have other responsibilities lined up because of which they may not get to play the next Black Ops installment. An example would be a loving father and husband whose family may be taking too much of his time, making it extremely difficult for him to dive into the latest Treyarch title with so many people to take care of.

That is where The Replacer makes his much-needed entrance, as he swoops in and takes the family man’s place to allow him to take some time off and play, in this case, Black Ops 6. “I’m your daddy now,” answers Stormare as the family man’s children ask where their father is, not knowing that he absolutely has to prioritize the upcoming Black Ops over the rest of his duties for a while.

The skit also shows The Replacer replacing the Pope, as the latter is apparently also a Call of Duty fan who has been looking forward to playing Black Ops 6, prompting him to leave his massive responsibilities and letting Stormare’s character take the helm until he returns after finishing the game.

Call of Duty Fans Are Ecstatic About Peter Stormare’s Epic Comeback to the Franchise

Regardless of the responsibilities, The Replacer ensures that everyone gets a chance to play the next Black Ops.
Regardless of the responsibilities, The Replacer ensures that everyone gets a chance to play the next Black Ops.

Naturally, the return of The Replacer has been received quite well by Call of Duty fans, as it gives them even more hope regarding the quality of Black Ops 6 and the overdue comeback of the franchise that has been going through a rough phase for the past few years.

Regarded as one of the most creative marketing campaigns that have ever graced the realm of video games, the fanbase is ecstatic about Peter Stormare reprising the role, as the last time it happened was during the Black Ops 4 era in 2018.

Comment
byu/Kalinine from discussion
inblackops6

The Replacer became such a popular character that he got his very own playable skin in Black Ops 4, and while Call of Duty skins aren’t always hits among the fanbase, his inclusion in any Black Ops 6 mode will likely be appreciated as well.

Comment
byu/Kalinine from discussion
inblackops6

With not even a full month to go before Black Ops 6 finally hits the shelves, these callbacks to the days when the Call of Duty sub-series was at its prime are only adding to the excitement levels of the fans, who definitely require a win after the disappointing Modern Warfare 3.