"Very supportive": Ballard star Maggie Q talks about Titus Welliver handing over the lead role to her in the Bosch spin-off

In a recent Today interview for Ballard, Maggie Q described Titus Welliver as

“very supportive”

When he passed her the baton in the new Ballard spin‑off of the Bosch universe. She recalled that, standing before the LAPD chief, Welliver gave her a nod and said,

“Here we go,”

Signaling his full blessing of her stepping into Renée's shoes.

How Ballard expands the Bosch universe

Prime Video's New York Special Screening With Maggie Q (Image via Getty)

Ballard debuts on Prime Video on July 9, 2025, with all ten episodes dropping at once. The storyline centers on Detective Renée heading an underfunded cold‑case unit within the LAPD. As Ballard investigates a series of disappearances, a mysterious John Doe and whispers of corruption emerge, setting the stage for a mix of serialized intrigue and standalone cases.

Titus Welliver appears as Harry Bosch in a supporting mentor role rather than leading the charge. Maggie Q says that Bosch’s presence underscores the franchise’s DNA while giving her room to grow. Their on‑screen dynamic is deliberately sibling‑like; he guides, she drives.

How Ballard traces its roots to its legacy

The character of Renée first appeared in Bosch: Legacy Season 3’s finale, making this new series a natural next step. The show builds on those events, shifting focus fully onto her investigations.

Q has said that inhabiting her mindset made her feel “smarter” and more attuned to the realities faced by detectives, thanks to consultations with LAPD veterans. Reviewers have taken note: RogerEbert.com calls her “unvarnished,” praising Q’s balance of grit and empathy; while Entertainment Weekly highlights the show’s distinct Westside‑LA visuals, contrasting Ballard’s environment with Bosch’s Hollywood‑station turf.

How Welliver’s gesture shaped the launch

Titus Welliver and Maggie Q (image via Getty)

Welliver’s handoff went beyond a friendly handshake. On set, he shared concrete advice:

“Plant your flag. Do not give in. Be strong.… Your instincts are correct, so follow those.”

For Maggie Q, that guidance was crucial in making Ballard her own story rather than just an offshoot of Bosch. The moment Welliver stepped aside was more than symbolic; it established her at the center of the franchise. As Q put it, his support helped solidify her confidence in taking the lead.

Who forms her investigative team?

While she drives the narrative, her colleagues bring depth and balance. Courtnee Taylor’s Samira Parker offers technical expertise, John Carroll Lynch’s Thomas Laffont provides institutional memory, Michael Mosley’s Ted Rawls lends muscle, Rebecca Field’s Colleen Hatteras handles paperwork, and Victoria Moroles’s Martina Castro specializes in victim outreach.

Together, they illustrate how her unit relies on collaboration despite limited resources. Much of the series was filmed around Los Angeles landmarks before this year’s Malibu wildfires, meaning the show inadvertently captures areas that have since changed, preserving a slice of the city’s landscape.

What can fans expect going forward?

As it launches today, it marks a new chapter for the Bosch brand. Early buzz suggests that longtime viewers will recognize the franchise’s investigative rigor and moral complexity, even as the show carves its path.

Critics and audiences alike will be watching to see whether Renée cements herself as a lead with staying power. With Titus Welliver’s “very supportive” endorsement behind her, Maggie Q steps confidently into her role in the franchise. Now it’s up to the show and its fans to see how far this new detective can go.

Edited by Ayesha Mendonca

Help Us Improve