The Wire Season 3 cast and character guide: Who plays whom in the HBO crime drama

The Wire, a crime drama that aired from 2002 to 2008, became one of the go-to series for any crime drama enthusiast. The show had a unique ability to captivate viewers with its intriguing storyline.

Although it first aired quite a while ago, it remains a cult favorite. The ensemble cast of The Wire played a significant role in propelling the show into the spotlight. The series earned an IMDb rating of 9.3. Let’s discuss the cast members who made the third season of The Wire such a success.

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Cast and character guide of The Wire Season 3

1) Dominic West as Jimmy McNulty

Dominic West’s Jimmy McNutty might have caused many insubordination cases, but also contributed to the success of numerous complex criminal cases. His intelligence and overall attitude are both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, he can use his talent to solve cases easily, but on the other hand, his attitude becomes a problem, causing issues in both his personal and professional lives. This duality is perfectly portrayed by Dominic West in The Wire.

To perfect the accent needed for his character, Dominic put in the extra work. In an interview with The Metro, director Clark Johnson says,

“Dom had to work a little harder on his accent because Baltimore is very distinctive and we played his tape and it was all scratchy and the sound was bad, and I was like “this is the most dysfunctional audition I’ve ever seen. He’s perfect! Not stupid, not uneducated, just dysfunctional.”

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2) Lance Reddick as Cedric Daniels

The third season of The Wire depicted Cedric Daniels’ personal and professional struggles. He faced difficulties in his personal life due to his role in the police department. Despite these challenges, his leadership remains outstanding. Lance Reddick, also known for his roles in Fringe, Bosch, White House Down, and more, delivers a strong performance in this series as well. In an interview with GQ, Lance Reddick discusses the series,

“You know, it’s an iconic piece of history, and I feel very fortunate and proud of the work we did with that.”

It cannot be denied that Lance Reddick’s contribution amped up the reach and relatability of the show.

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3) John Doman as William Rawls

Famed for his work in Borgia, Gotham, and many more, John Gotham’s William Rawls is a character you do not want to mess with. William Rawls received his well-deserved promotion in the third season of the series. He not only keeps the city free of crime but also maintains discipline among his subordinates.

John Doman does a commendable job of portraying William Rawls' brave side. Did you know John Doman served in the Marine Corps before entering the entertainment industry?

John Doman’s performance in the series truly brings out the complications of the line of work in an intriguing manner.

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4) Idris Elba as Russell "Stringer" Bell

Idris Elba’s Russel Bell knew how to navigate the complex world of crime. He advanced by attending a university and forming strong connections with politicians. This helped him build his empire even more. However, things don’t turn out well for Stringer Bell in the third season of The Wire.

At the end of the third season, Omar kills Stringer, ruining his plans. Stringer is a layered, complex character. Idris Elba does an excellent job making Stringer a fan favorite despite his criminal actions.

Idris Elba is a widely recognized face in the industry today. With works like Luther, In the Long Run, Hijack, and many others, his versatility is unmatched.

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5) Frankie R. Faison as Ervin Burrell

Frankie Faison’s Ervin Burrell faces many challenges in the third season of The Wire. Initially, he faces constant criticism for failing to reduce crime rates. This puts a lot of pressure on him and eventually leads to his decision to resign from his position.

He then hands his role over to Rawls. Frankie R. Faison, known for his work in the Hannibal Lecter franchise, is a highly versatile actor. He effectively portrays the emotional lows of Ervin as he deals with problems in his department. His performance helps us feel connected to Ervin’s character.

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6) Wood Harris as Avon Barksdale

Wood Harris’s portrayal of Avon plays a vital role in the third season of The Wire. After his release from prison, he finds himself in a challenging situation with Stringer. Stringer’s approach to managing the criminal world is quite different from Avon’s.

This difference becomes the core reason for their conflict, which intensifies as the story unfolds. Wood Harris’s performance as Avon is truly memorable, and his commanding presence is undeniable. In an interview with GQ, Wood Harris discusses how he brought out the bond between his character and Idris Elba’s.

“As far as me and Idris, it’s just a natural bond. We also literally made music together. Idris is a producer and so am I, so we produced songs together. You know how some people you just click with? That’s Idris and me.”

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7) Sonja Sohn as Kima Greggs

Sonja Sohn’s Kima Greggs is another intriguing character in the series. In the third season, she joined the Major Case Unit. However, things did not go quite as planned for her. Sonja Sohn has also appeared in many other shows and movies. Her other works include Body of Proof, Will Trent, Star Trek: Discovery, and more. In an interview, Sonja Sohn talks about the connection she felt with her character,

“With Kima, I think what I could connect with most is that she was highly personable and strong. She was someone who was very grounded in her convictions and principles. And she was unwavering in her commitment to this. That was where I found the deepest resonance with the character.”

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Other cast of The Wire season 3 include:

•Deirdre Lovejoy as Rhonda Pearlman

•Wendell Pierce as William "The Bunk" Moreland

•Andre Royo as Reginald "Bubbles" Cousins

•Clarke Peters as Lester Freamon

•Andre Royo as Reginald "Bubbles" Cousins