When Rockstar’s highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 is 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 6 could serve as a way for Rockstar to pay homage to the franchise’s past by bringing back some fan-favorite characters from previous games. The Grand Theft Auto franchise is 25 years old now, and during that time it’s played home to some unforgettable characters who are long overdue for a reappearance.
Previous Grand Theft Auto games 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 that Grand Theft Auto 6 will 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 of Grand 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 in GTA 6.
A Modern-Day Vice City Could Feature Familiar Faces from GTA’s Past
Given the passing of actor Ray Liotta in 2022, who voiced Grand Theft Auto: Vice City’s Tommy Vercetti, it could prove difficult or distasteful for Rockstar to bring Tommy back for an appearance in GTA 6. But even with the Scarface-inspired protagonist of GTA: Vice City out of commission there are still plenty of characters from the 2002 game who would be perfect choices for cameos.
Assuming that GTA 6 takes place in modern times, a lot would have changed for these NPCs between GTA: 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 iconic Grand Theft Auto characters to pop up in a Vice City-centered GTA 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 of GTA: Vice City, leaving Mercedes to take over his operations in Vice City. Criminal lawyer Ken Rosenberg could also show up in GTA 6, now rich and retired in Vice City following his success working with Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas protagonist Carl Johnson.
GTA 6 Could Feature Some Comedic, Criminal Cameos
Cameos in Grand Theft Auto 6 wouldn’t have to be limited to characters from GTA: Vice City, either. Having established himself as one of the Grand Theft Auto series’ most iconic characters following his debut appearance, a cameo from GTA 5’s Trevor in Grand Theft Auto 6 would 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-retired GTA icons could make for an amusing diversion. One perfect fit for Vice City’s leisure-focused lifestyle would be GTA 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 in Grand 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 to Grand Theft Auto’s roots even as it continues to move the series forward.
Grand Theft Auto 6 is currently in development.
