A Grand Theft Auto Film is on the Horizon, But It’s Not What You Expect

A film inspired by the Grand Theft Auto universe is officially in the works, but it might not be exactly what fans anticipate. Titled Grand Theft Hamlet, this unique movie unfolds entirely within the immersive environment of GTA Online.

Exciting news for GTA enthusiasts: a cinematic project centered around the franchise is finally arriving! While it’s not a conventional adaptation of the beloved video game series, it still showcases elements of the GTA world.

This upcoming documentary, Grand Theft Hamlet, is filmed exclusively in the virtual setting of Los Santos. After a successful run at live events such as SXSW, where it garnered several awards, the film is gearing up for a broader release.

MUBI, the streaming service, has obtained the distribution rights for the documentary and plans to make it available for online viewing in early 2025, though the specific release date has yet to be finalized.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjLa69vkY1Y

GRAND THEFT HAMLET trailer – Cambridge Film Festival 2024 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjLa69vkY1Y)

The film’s title, Grand Theft Hamlet, cleverly juxtaposes the realms of Shakespearean drama and Rockstar Games. This award-winning documentary captures the experiences of two out-of-work actors, Sam and Mark, as they navigate the challenges of the 2021 global pandemic.

The duo’s ambitious endeavor involved staging Hamlet entirely within GTA Online, encompassing the thrilling escapades of car thefts, confrontations with random characters, and peaceful respites in picturesque in-game settings.

Utilizing GTA 5’s in-game mobile phone camera for filming has resulted in an engaging visual style characterized by “intimate close-ups and sweeping cinematic shots of diverse landscapes,”as mentioned in the documentary’s description. This approach allows for an exploration of emotional depth and lyricism amidst the chaotic backdrop of an ‘undiscovered country.’

Earlier this year, Grand Theft Hamlet made its debut at SXSW, where it was honored with the jury award for best documentary feature.

GTA Online Scene — Image Credit: Rockstar Games

The entirety of this film is filmed within the GTA Online universe.

It’s important to note that this is not an official Grand Theft Auto movie endorsed by Rockstar Games, nor is it a traditional film adaptation. However, it undeniably revolves around the essence of GTA from beginning to end.