6 GTA Characters Who Must Cameo in Grand Theft Auto VI. Grand Theft Auto V was released in 2013 and became one of the best selling and most popular video games of all time. Now in 2024, fans eagerly await details on the next installment in the series, GTA VI.
One aspect of GTA games that fans love are seeing characters from previous games make cameo appearances and references in the new titles. This helps connect the different games and provides fun nods to the past for longtime fans.
As we look ahead to GTA VI, these are 6 characters from past GTA games that we hope make a cameo appearance in the next installment:
1. Claude (Grand Theft Auto III)
Claude was the silent protagonist in 2001’s Grand Theft Auto III, the first 3D title in the series that popularized the sandbox open world gameplay the games are now known for. We don’t know much about Claude’s background, but he worked his way up through the crime world of Liberty City to get revenge against his girlfriend Catalina for betraying him.
It would be great to see an older Claude making an appearance in GTA VI, perhaps still involved in criminal enterprises or even in a mentor role passing the torch to a new generation. A small cameo even with no speaking lines would be a cool nostalgia Easter egg for fans of GTA III.
2. Tommy Vercetti (Grand Theft Auto: Vice City)
Tommy Vercetti is one of the most popular protagonists in GTA history, headlining the iconic Vice City which draws inspiration from 1980s Miami. A seasoned criminal and former member of the Forelli crime family, Tommy builds up his own criminal empire and becomes a powerful underworld kingpin.
The timeline could work for Tommy to still be an active part of the modern crime world in the era of GTA VI. Perhaps an aging Tommy is still running Vice City, or has connections in the new setting for GTA VI. Having him appear as a crime boss crossed with players on their journey would be amazing.
3. CJ (Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas)
Carl “CJ” Johnson left the streets of Los Santos but could plausibly make an epic homecoming in GTA VI. One of the most layered and complex GTA protagonists, we saw CJ evolve from gang banger to respectable business and casino mogul.
Decades later, CJ has hopefully kept on the straight and narrow path. But temptations in the underworld are never far away. It would be interesting if he plays a role in GTA VI as a mentor trying to steer kids away from the mistakes he made in his early life. Or a relapse into crime could make for an even more shocking cameo appearance.
4. Niko Bellic (Grand Theft Auto IV)
Niko Bellic was a veteran of the Bosnian War who came to Liberty City in Grand Theft Auto IV on the promise of living the American Dream. But he was slowly drawn back into the underworld entanglements he tried to leave behind.
Now Niko could once again return as a jaded ex-criminal attempting to live a quieter life but haunted by the ghosts of his past misdeeds. Having Niko return to the series later in life with a completely different moral compass would provide an interesting character development arc.
5. Michael De Santa (Grand Theft Auto V)
Michael was one of the three playable characters in Grand Theft Auto V’s main story alongside Franklin and Trevor. A career criminal who faked his death and entered witness protection with a new life and family in Los Santos.
But Michael remains deeply tied with his past criminal connections. In GTA VI, it would be compelling to see a Michael who is drawn back into crime or the Witness Protection Program failing him at the worst possible time. He could play a key role in the evolving underworld of the new setting.
6. Franklin Clinton (Grand Theft Auto V)
Franklin evolved from a street hustler to accomplish big heists with Michael’s crew in GTA V. His fate is mostly left open ended, either leaving the criminal life behind or utilizing his skills to become an even bigger player.
A cameo from a successful Franklin in GTA VI would show his rise to power and connections across the country. On the other hand, a fallen on hard times Franklin who failed to transcend his roots would also be an unexpected twist. His cameo could tie the universes together in an epic way.
Why Cameos Work So Well in GTA Games
Part of the appeal of cameos and shared universes in the GTA series is seeing how characters evolve over time. Some like CJ seem to find redemption, while others like Tommy Vercetti continue reveling in a life of crime.
Sometimes GTA protagonists only get brief mentions of what happened to them after their stories like references made to Niko Bellic in GTA V. While these nods are fun, actually seeing the characters appear and interact in the newer games takes it to the next level.
The urban environments in GTA also evolve across games but share some similarities that make crossovers believable. Cities like Liberty City and Los Santos get modern updates across games that freshen them up while still maintaining links to the past.
Shared characters create exciting story opportunities too. Rather than just getting exposition about what they did after their starring roles, cameos let us see their lives unfold organically in the backgrounds of other games.
For these reasons and more, cameos from classic GTA characters have become a staple in Rockstar’s evolving open world sandbox formula. As GTA VI moves the timeline forward once again, a fresh cast of complex criminals is undoubtedly waiting to leave their mark on the series next chapter. But they still have room for fan favorites from the past along for the wild ride.
Most Likely Characters to Cameo Based on Realistic Options
While all the characters mentioned would be great to see return, some have a much better chance of believably appearing in GTA VI based on where their stories left off.
Michael de Santa is one of the most realistic. GTA V showed him unable to leave his life of crime behind, and he would still have those connections in modern day. He could be a great bridge between old and new characters.
Franklin Clinton also left GTA V in an ambitious but uncertain place. His cameos could range from phenomenal success to just scraping by. His flexibility makes him a strong choice.
Tommy Vercetti in Vice City is a classic fan favorite. Age may limit his role but even a small cameo could work perfectly.
CJ returning to Los Santos after leaving San Andreas would take some narrative gymnastics to explain, but has potential.
Claude and Niko are less likely but not completely impossible. Their cameos would tie in the older GTA III and IV nicely and excite hardcore fans.
In the end, GTA VI will probably feature an all new cast at the forefront. But cleverly placed cameos from older games could provide connective tissue in the universe that gives controller-dropping moments for the fans. As GTA continues to evolve, it won’t forget the beloved characters from pivotal past chapters that helped cement its status as one of gaming’s most iconic franchises.
