Rockstar Games has repeatedly made references within the GTA series and occasionally included cross-references between Red Dead Redemption and GTA.
While these easter eggs hint at a shared universe, they don't necessarily confirm that both series exist within the same universe. However, within the GTA universe itself, there's a consistent pattern of cross-referencing characters and events. So the question remains: can we expect a return of protagonists in GTA VI, directly or indirectly?
Former Protagonist Returns
Based on past titles, Rockstar occasionally brings back older protagonists, usually in subtle or limited roles. For instance:
- GTA 3's protagonist Claude Speed appears briefly in GTA San Andreas, where the player gets to race against him and his then-partner, Catalina.
- Johnny Klebitz from The Lost and Damned returns in GTA V, though for a brief yet violent moment.
This goes as far as even referencing former characters by mention or hint. For instance:
- Ken Rosenberg exclaims, "Tommy, like old times!" to CJ in GTA San Andreas.
- Lamar states in GTA V's mission Hood Safari, "Man, I’m gonna be riding a bike down Grove Street like it’s the ‘90s!", indirectly referencing the introduction of San Andreas when CJ rode his bike to Grove Street.
Michael De Santa
Former bank robber turned movie producer, Michael is now a semi-public figure in the film industry, though he's tried to keep a low profile in criminal circles.
Despite Lamar and Franklin mocking his released movie, GTA V eventually ends with Michael successfully releasing Meltdown. A reference to Michael or even a sequel to Meltdown would be plausible if GTA VI includes movie theatres or Hollywood-style satire.
Notably, fans believe the boat shown in the second GTA VI trailer resembles Michael’s stolen yacht from the "Father/Son" mission. If true, we might finally learn where the boat ended up after Jimmy's failed attempt to sell it.
Trevor Phillips
Trevor is a volatile drug dealer and arms smuggler with ambitions of expanding globally, although he's far more comfortable in the deserts of Blaine County.
Given GTA VI's Florida-inspired setting, Trevor may not naturally fit into the tone or environment. This stems from the idea that Vice City is more about organised crime and that Trevor is very loud and dominant.
Not to mention, Trevor hardly befriends anyone he comes across. Whether Trevor Phillips Industries succeeded or not, the character, after all, feels complete, and a mention of Trevor may be rather difficult to fit into the story of GTA VI.
Franklin Clinton
From street hustler to business entrepreneur, Franklin has arguably had one of the biggest character evolutions in the GTA. His return in GTA Online's “The Contract” DLC shows him running a celebrity problem-solving agency with Lamar.
He is arguably a better fit for the Vicy City environment as he's more cautious and calculated. Opposed to Trevor, Franklin runs a legitimate business and is rather likely to be mentioned in one or another way, such as on, radio or in an in-game news article.
While Franklin is still active in the GTA world, any reference in GTA VI would depend on whether Rockstar wants to connect the Online and Story universes.
Tommy Vercetti
GTA Vice City took place in 1986, nearly 40 years before the likely setting of GTA VI. Given the character's age and the real-life passing of Ray Liotta (Tommy’s voice actor), a return is unlikely.
That said, Tommy was ruling Vice City's criminal empire by the end of Vice City, and in GTA San Andreas (1992), as Ken Rosenberg strongly implies that Tommy is still alive and powerful, though offscreen. A subtle reference or Easter egg acknowledging his past influence would be more likely.
It appears as though Rockstar and Liotta haven't had the best relationship throughout the production. Although Tommy would be suitable to be referenced, it might be more appropriate to ask, Is Rockstar willing to reference the character and how?
While popular and well-regarded, protagonists like Claude, CJ and Niko Bellic are unlikely to appear - most of them have little narrative link to Vice City, and Rockstar tends to let older characters fade out. But given history, Tommy has in fact been a major part of Vicy City and been a major figure in the universe as well. So that leaves us to, what's the best way to reference Tommy?