It's not GTA 6, but an "unexpectedly moving" version of Hamlet set entirely in Grand Theft Auto Online is coming to cinemas

Oct. 11, 2024

“Can we transport this ancient story inside a brand new one? And will it still make sense?”

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

To see or not to see? That is the question, after MUBI announced plans to release a bonkers-sounding version of Shakespeare’s Hamlet: an immersive, “unexpectedly moving” take shot entirely within Grand Theft Auto.

The film, which is currently rated 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, directed by Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane, was shot during the COVID-19 lockdowns and will be coming to cinemas and streaming later this year. Billed as a feature-documentary, it follows out-of-work actors Sam and Mark as they spend their days playing GTA Online.

While cruising around one day, the pair’s avatars stumble across a theater and they’re suddenly struck with the idea of staging a play inside the game. There’s an obvious snag, though; most people in the game seem to be more concerned with murderous destruction than appreciating the arts. That said, weren’t theaters supposedly rowdy, dangerous places back in Shakespeare’s time? Hamlet is a tale of violent revenge after all…

“It’s ground-breaking and necessary – especially at a time when more and more of our lives (even a cultural artefact as ancient as live theatre) move online. The documentary asks what is this space? How do we use it now and what else is possible inside it? Can we transport this ancient story inside a brand new one? And will it still make sense?” theofficial websiteponders.

Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter

Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox

I am an Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, covering all things TV and film across our Total Film and SFX sections. Elsewhere, my words have been published by the likes of Digital Spy, SciFiNow, PinkNews, FANDOM, Radio Times, and Total Film magazine.

A surreal new drama with a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score from the director of one of my favorite films is now out – and it should definitely be on your weekend watchlist

Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

How to play Lego Fortnite Brick Life