The countdown to Grand Theft Auto 6 is on, and fans are beginning to speculate whether the beloved protagonists of GTA 5—Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton, and Trevor Phillips—might make a return. At a recent Comic Con panel, the actors behind these iconic characters sparked excitement by hinting that they would gladly return for the next chapter in the series.
Ned Luke (Michael), Shawn Fonteno (Franklin), and Steven Ogg (Trevor) each voiced interest in reprising their roles if Rockstar were to bring them back for a special mission, story arc, or downloadable content. With GTA 6 moving the setting from Los Santos to a modern version of Vice City, the idea of the trio traveling for one final job has fans more curious than ever.
Comic Con Panel Hints at a Reunion
During the panel discussion, all three actors responded positively to fan questions about a possible return. They joked about giving Rockstar a “nudge” to make it happen and referred to the possibility as “awesome” and “fun.” Fonteno suggested that fans should keep pushing the idea online, while Steven Ogg, known for his chaotic role as Trevor, clarified that he never hated the character and actually finds him “awesome to play.”
Ned Luke, who portrayed Michael, has been notably absent from GTA Online’s major updates, unlike his two co-stars. That omission hasn’t gone unnoticed by players, and fans have repeatedly requested a dedicated expansion or mission pack that would put Michael in the spotlight again.
GTA Online Set the Stage—But Not for Everyone
Rockstar Games has a history of revisiting characters in GTA Online. Franklin returned with “The Contract” DLC, and Trevor appeared earlier in the game’s online missions. But Michael’s return has only been hinted at through indirect references and NPC appearances. Despite being a central figure in the GTA 5 story, he hasn’t been given a proper post-story arc—yet.
As GTA 6 draws closer to its May 26, 2026 launch date, players are looking ahead to what Rockstar might include in the new title’s base game or post-launch expansions. Given the high demand and ongoing popularity of the GTA 5 trio, the opportunity for their return has never seemed more plausible.
Rockstar’s History with Returning Characters
The Grand Theft Auto franchise rarely brings back protagonists in major roles across main titles. Claude from GTA III had a brief cameo in San Andreas, while CJ and Tommy Vercetti were never revisited as playable characters. However, GTA Online changed that trend by offering players an evolving universe where side stories and character arcs can continue long after the main game ends.
This shift opens up new possibilities. With Rockstar embracing DLC and episodic content more actively, a post-launch storyline involving Michael, Franklin, and Trevor could easily fit into the narrative of GTA 6, especially if it explores a wider criminal underworld across the U.S.
Could Vice City Host One Final Heist?
If GTA 6 does take place primarily in Vice City, as confirmed by early trailers, the new setting could offer a fresh playground for a high-stakes reunion. Whether it’s a cameo, a mission pack, or a fully fleshed-out DLC chapter, fans are eager for the trio to return in some capacity.
The concept of “one last score” resonates deeply with GTA fans, especially given how central that theme was to GTA 5’s plot. A return for the trio would not only serve as fan service but could also offer a bridge between the two games—one that celebrates the legacy of the previous generation while introducing a new one.
Final Thoughts
As GTA 6 development continues and Rockstar stays quiet on story details, speculation will only grow. The voices of Michael, Franklin, and Trevor have become synonymous with the success of GTA 5, and the possibility of seeing them again—even briefly—is enough to generate major hype.
For now, fans can only wait and hope that Rockstar hears the calls. Because if there’s one thing this trio is good at, it’s making a comeback—guns blazing.
