Rockstar co-founder: why a GTA movie 'never made sense'

Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser recently reaffirmed that a Grand Theft Auto movie "never made sense" due to the high risk and lack of creative control. Over the years, various concepts, including one featuring Eminem, have been proposed and subsequently rejected. Houser emphasized that the game's multi-billion dollar IP is better served in its original format. Rockstar's stance reflects a broader industry perception that video game adaptations often lead to subpar films. Despite the potential for lucrative returns, Take-Two Interactive's CEO mentioned the necessity of Rockstar financing such a project themselves, to maintain creative integrity. The upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6 in fall 2025 is expected to surpass even GTA 5's incredible $1 billion revenue within three days of launch, continuing the franchise's monumental success. The release trailer for GTA 6 has gained significant traction, racking up over 168 million views, cementing its place as the second most-watched video game trailer of all time.

Rockstar Games has consistently rejected the idea of a Grand Theft Auto movie due to the high risk involved, lack of creative control, and the historically poor quality of video game film adaptations. They believe that the strength of their IP is better maintained within the gaming medium.

As background, the Grand Theft Auto series, particularly GTA 5, has been a massive success in the gaming world. Released in 2013, GTA 5 broke multiple records, generating over $1 billion within its first three days. The anticipation for GTA 6 is immense, especially as it is set to return to the iconic in-game version of Miami, known as Vice City. The franchise's continued success highlights the careful strategy Rockstar employs to maintain its brand integrity and market domination.