When Rockstar’s highly anticipatedGrand Theft Auto 6is eventually released it is almost certain to follow in its predecessors’ footsteps and once again raise the bar for open-world gaming. But even as it moves the wildly successful series forward,GTA 6could serve as a way for Rockstar to pay homage to the franchise’s past by bringing back some fan-favorite characters from previous games. TheGrand Theft Autofranchise is 25 years oldnow, and during that time it’s played home to some unforgettable characters who are long overdue for a reappearance.
PreviousGrand Theft Autogames have established an eclectic cast of colorful characters spread all across Rockstar’s satirical take on America, providing numerous options for potential cameos. With leaks and rumors strongly hinting thatGrand Theft Auto 6will be set in Vice City, it would make sense to bring back characters who already call the city’s sun-soaked streets home. Seeing what some ofGrand Theft Auto: Vice City’s most unforgettable characters have been up to since the 80s would be a treat for fans and pave the way for some interesting narrative choices inGTA 6.
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A Modern-Day Vice City Could Feature Familiar Faces from GTA’s Past
Given the passing of actor Ray Liotta in 2022, who voicedGrand Theft Auto: Vice City’s Tommy Vercetti, it could prove difficult or distasteful for Rockstar to bring Tommy back for an appearance inGTA 6. But even with theScarface-inspired protagonist ofGTA: Vice Cityout of commission there are still plenty of characters from the 2002 game who would be perfect choices for cameos.
Assuming thatGTA 6takes place in modern times, a lot would have changed for these NPCs betweenGTA: Vice City’s 1986 setting and the present day. While an appearance from Tommy Vercetti may be a non-starter, it would make sense for some other iconicGrand Theft Autocharacters to pop up in a Vice City-centeredGTA 6.
The drug-and-gun smuggling Colonel Juan Cortez could play a role in the story along with his daughter, Mercedes. A now-elderly Colonel Cortez may have returned to Central America to take power in his home country following the events ofGTA: Vice City,leaving Mercedes to take over his operations in Vice City. Criminal lawyer Ken Rosenberg could also show up inGTA 6, now rich and retired in Vice City following his success working withGrand Theft Auto: San Andreasprotagonist Carl Johnson.
GTA 6 Could Feature Some Comedic, Criminal Cameos
Cameos inGrand Theft Auto 6wouldn’t have to be limited to characters fromGTA: Vice City, either. Having established himself as one of theGrand Theft Autoseries’ most iconic characters following his debut appearance, a cameo fromGTA 5’s Trevor inGrand Theft Auto 6would almost certainly delight fans. Given his impulsive nature, it would be easy to come up with some outlandish narrative reason for Trevor to have made the move to the East Coast.
Rockstar could also choose to dive into their back catalog for some more unexpected cameos. With Vice City likely to be a mecca for retirees in the same way as its real-world inspiration, Miami, having missions where you catch up with some now-retiredGTAicons could make for an amusing diversion. One perfect fit for Vice City’s leisure-focused lifestyle would beGTA 4’s Roman Bellic, who players could cross paths with and maybe even join for a game of bowling.
With over a quarter-century’s worth of games to draw from, Rockstar has plenty of iconic characters it could include as cameos inGrand Theft Auto 6. Throwing some unexpected faces from the franchise’s past into the mix, whether as quick cameos during one-off missions or even in a central story role, would be a treat for fans and let Rockstar pay homage toGrand Theft Auto’s roots even as it continues to move the series forward.
Grand Theft Auto 6is currently in development.
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