The Grand Theft Auto series thrives on exaggerated humor and sharp satire of American society, while Red Dead Redemptionleans toward a more serious tone, filled with dramatic moments. On the surface, they seem worlds apart—but a new detail in GTA VI might suggest otherwise.
Following a long wait, Rockstar Games finally dropped the second trailer for GTA VI. Fans wasted no time diving into the footage, especially after the studio confirmed it was recorded on a PS5 and includes real gameplay scenes.
As always, the community uncovered a treasure trove of references—some to past characters, others to real-world brands. But one recent discovery may hint that Grand Theft Auto VI and Red Dead Redemption actually take place in the same universe.
Familiar Faces from Red Dead Redemption
During a brief shot of nightclub dancers, fans spotted something odd about the bills floating through the air. If you pause the frame, you’ll notice they bear portraits of President Hardin and Thaddeus Waxman, both fictional political figures from the Red Dead Redemptionsaga.
These names might not ring a bell for casual players, but lore enthusiasts will recognize them. Hardin served as the U.S. president before the story takes place and appears on in-game currency. Waxman, initially a senator, rose to the presidency after the death of his predecessor, Alfred MacAlister.
While neither character appears directly in Red Dead Redemption 2, they are part of the background story and are mentioned on several occasions. The inclusion of their portraits could be seen as a deliberate hint that the two franchises are tied together in a larger, shared timeline.
Of course, this theory remains unconfirmed and could simply be a clever nod. After all, GTA V also includes several Red Dead Redemption easter eggs—though most imply the Western series exists as a fictional product within the GTA world.
For instance, there’s a book titled Red Dead written by J. Marston, and one mission features a street vendor wearing a shirt that pays homage to the series.
Vice City Veteran Might Return in GTA VI
Rockstar has already confirmed some of the main roles, including Jason and Lucia, but fans believe there will be plenty of supporting characters that flesh out the story.
The trailer also hints at the return of a familiar face. One character bears a striking resemblance to Phil Cassidy, the ex-soldier who appeared in GTA III, Vice City, and other entries.
So, what do you think? Are GTA and Red Dead part of the same timeline? Or are we reading too much into a quick cameo?