Rockstar: GTA film will only be made if we have creative control

Ever since Rockstar’s highly lucrative Grand Theft Auto franchise started raking in the cash, there have been rumors that it was going to be adapted for the silver screen. Heck, even rapper Eminem was rumored to be attached to a GTA movie at one time. Rockstar, on the other hand, has deflected all rumors and offers so far. Why? Because they need to protect their baby from being misrepresented by a suck-tastic movie made only to capitalize on the series’ accomplishments.

Ever since Rockstar’s highly lucrative Grand Theft Auto franchise started raking in the cash, there have been rumors that it was going to be adapted for the silver screen. Heck, even rapper Eminem was rumored to be attached to a GTA movie at one time.

Rockstar, on the other hand, has deflected all rumors and offers so far. Why? Because they need to protect their baby from being misrepresented by a suck-tastic movie made only to capitalize on the series’ accomplishments.

Here’s what Rockstar co-founder and VP Dan Houser told the LA Times:

It seems obvious to us that maintaining the long term integrity of any entertainment property has been dependent on not making substandard spin-off products to people whose primary interest is making a quick buck. If we ever decide to do a film, it will be because we have resolved our creative doubts, and while retaining enough control to ensure that if the movie is terrible, at least we will know we ruined the property ourselves.

Good call. Houser also expressed doubts that a two-hour movie would be enough to encompass the “massive in scope and structurally complex” GTA games. If you really want to see a GTA “movie”, though, just play the games. If you stick to the story missions I’d say that’s pretty close to a cinematic experience already.

• Rockstar Games: No Grand Theft Auto movie was ever in the works
• Rumor: There “was” a GTA movie in the works?

Via LA Times