Take-Two CEO Comments Suggest No Upcoming GTA or Red Dead Movie Adaptations

The Future of Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption Adaptations

For enthusiasts of the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) and Red Dead Redemption franchises, the anticipation for potential movie or TV series adaptations may feel like an exercise in futility. Despite both series being monumental in the gaming industry, with players eagerly anticipating the release of GTA 6 following the success of Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) in 2018, concrete news about adaptations remains elusive.

The Growing Trend of Video Game Adaptations

Recent years have witnessed a notable increase in successful video game adaptations for both film and television. Titles such as The Last of Us, The Mario Movie, Sonic the Hedgehog, Castlevania, and Arcane have set a precedent, further fuelling fans’ hopes that franchises like GTA and Red Dead will eventually receive similar treatment from Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company. However, based on recent commentary from the company’s leadership, such adaptations are becoming less likely.

Take-Two’s Stance on Adaptations

In a recent interview with Gamesindustry, Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two, addressed the prospects for adapting their intellectual properties (IPs). His comments were particularly revealing in light of the underwhelming response to the Borderlands movie. Zelnick affirmed that the performance of the film was disappointing, yet paradoxically led to an unanticipated increase in sales across their catalogue.

When prompted about the evolving landscape of video game adaptations, Zelnick underscored Take-Two’s cautious approach to its IPs, stating, “That’s one of the many reasons that we’re very, very selective about bringing our intellectual properties to other media.” This indicates a protective stance towards their iconic franchises.

Insights from Within Rockstar

Interestingly, the idea of GTA or Red Dead film adaptations has been previously explored within Rockstar. Dan Houser, co-founder of the studio, indicated earlier in 2024 that he had received inquiries regarding Hollywood’s interest in producing stories based on these beloved games. However, ultimately, he and his team rejected the proposals due to the lack of creative control.

Houser elaborated on their reasoning, explaining, “They thought we’d be blinded by the lights, and that just wasn’t the case. We had what we considered to be multi-billion-dollar IP, and the economics never made sense. The risk never made sense. In those days, the perception was that games made poor-quality movies.”

A Glimmer of Hope: Grand Theft Hamlet

Despite the institution’s current stance on major adaptations, a unique project titled Grand Theft Hamlet has emerged. This film, crafted within the vibrant universe of GTA Online, premiered earlier this year at SXSW and has since been picked up for distribution by the streaming platform MUBI. While not a direct GTA adaptation in the traditional sense, it offers a creative twist that may satisfy fans in the interim.

For now, though, fans of both franchises should temper their expectations regarding a full-fledged film or TV adaptation in the near future.

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