GTA 6 is one of the most anticipated games that people have been waiting for years, and Rockstar Games has already confirmed that the new story will take place in the OG Vice City and the State of Leonida, which features two protagonists: Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval.
However, if you are a fan of the GTA franchise, then you know that Rockstar is known for connecting stories across different titles, and fans are asking an important question: which characters from GTA 5 could appear in GTA 6?
Rockstar has a long history of bringing back characters from earlier games- sometimes as major story figures, sometimes as subtle easter eggs. So, that’s why with this guide, we will break down which GTA 5 characters are most likely to appear in GTA 6, how they might return, and why Rockstar may choose to reference them.
How Rockstar Usually Brings Back Characters
Before we start with the main content, this section will help you understand how Rockstar typically handles returning characters. However, in previous games, characters usually return in 4 ways:
- Major Role: A character becomes part of missions or the main storyline.
- Cameo Appearance: A short appearance in a side mission or cutscene.
- Media Reference: Appearing on TV, radio, social media, or advertisements.
- Dialogue Reference: Mentioned by other characters or in newspapers.
Like back in 2013, Packie McReary from GTA 4 returned in GTA 5 as a heist crew member, while many GTA Liberty City characters were only referenced through dialogue. If that’s the thing, repeat this time also, then in the next section, we will mention the most likely GTA 5 characters who could return in GTA 6.
Major GTA 5 Characters: Will They Return?
Michael De Santa
Michael is one of the three protagonists of GTA 5, but as per some experts, it is highly unlikely that he will return in GTA 6. As per the game, by the end of GTA 5, Michael becomes a Movie producer in Los Santos, starting to work in the film industry through Solomon Richards’ studio.
However, as GTA 6 is fully focused on Vice City and coming up with a completely new story revolving around Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval, bringing Michael back for missions might distract from the new narrative. However, a small reference is very possible. Rockstar could show:
- Posters of movies produced by Michael
- News reports about the Los Santos film industry
- Mentions of his studio success
This would acknowledge the character without pulling attention away from the new protagonists.
Trevor Philips
Trevor is one of the most unpredictable characters in the GTA universe. However, in GTA Online, Trevor’s life takes an unusual turn- Ron Jakowski mentions that Trevor has become something of a spiritual lifestyle expert.
Due to this, Rockstar could easily reference Trevor through:
- Dialogue from rural NPCs
- Radio talk shows discussing a strange expert
- Online media posts
But a full appearance is unlikely, since Trevor’s chaotic personality was closely tied to Los Santos.
Franklin Clinton
In my opinion, Franklin’s situation is very different. In GTA Online’s “The Contract” DLC, Franklin becomes a successful businessman running F. Clinton & Partner, a celebrity solutions agency.
This means Franklin is still active in the criminal world, making him one of the most believable returning characters. However, Rockstar will likely limit his role to:
- Newspaper articles about his company
- Photos or media references
- Possibly a cameo appearance
Because GTA 6 will focus heavily on the story of Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, Franklin probably won’t play a central role.
GTA 5 Side Characters Who Could Return
Lester Crest
Lester is one of the most important characters behind GTA 5’s heists. Although he retires during the later events of GTA Online, Lester has a habit of getting pulled back into criminal schemes. In GTA 6, it will almost certainly feature heists again, Lester could return as:
- A hacker consultant
- A mission contact in GTA Online 2
- A character referenced by criminals
Even if he doesn’t physically appear, criminal networks mentioning Lester are extremely likely.
Jimmy De Santa
Jimmy, Michael’s son, has one of the most interesting possibilities. Since GTA 6 takes place more than a decade after GTA 5, Jimmy would now be an adult.
His personality- obsessed with gaming and internet culture- fits perfectly with the modern social media world Rockstar is building. A realistic appearance could include:
- Jimmy as a streamer or influencer
- References on fictional social media platforms
- Online gaming culture satire
This would match Rockstar’s style of mocking internet culture.
Lamar Davis
Lamar is a fan-favorite character and remains active in GTA Online through his weed business and street operations. So, because Florida-style settings in GTA 6 are known for wild characters and street culture, Lamar could appear as:
- A cannabis entrepreneur
- A TV advertisement personality
- A contact for illegal businesses
However, Rockstar might simply reference Lamar rather than give him missions.
Other GTA Characters Likely to Be Referenced
Martin Madrazo
The powerful cartel boss appears multiple times in GTA 5 and GTA Online. Given his criminal connections across the United States, Martin could easily be referenced in GTA 6 through:
- Drug trafficking storylines
- Criminal dialogue
- News reports
His name alone carries weight in the GTA underworld.
Lazlow Jones
Lazlow has appeared in multiple GTA games as a radio personality and media figure. So, even though he left Rockstar Games in real life, his character is so iconic that Rockstar could still include him through:
- Radio shows
- Podcasts
- Media satire
A Lazlow reference would fit perfectly with Vice City’s entertainment culture.
Characters Unlikely to Return
Some GTA 5 characters are unlikely to appear again due to story reasons. Examples include:
- Devin Weston: killed in GTA 5’s canon ending
- Steve Haines: dead after the final mission
- Brad Snider: already confirmed dead
- Johnny Klebitz: killed by Trevor early in GTA 5
Rockstar rarely revives characters who have confirmed deaths in previous games.
How Jason Duval and Lucia Fit Into the Story
The focus of GTA 6 will clearly be the new protagonists:
- Lucia Caminos: the first female protagonist in the HD-era GTA series
- Jason Duval: Lucia’s partner in crime and rumored ex-military character
Their story appears inspired by Bonnie and Clyde–style criminal partnerships, meaning Rockstar will likely prioritize new characters over returning ones. So, that’s all we have for you about which GTA 5 Characters will appear in GTA 6. We hope that this guide has helped you.
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