The making of Grand Theft Hamlet, a unique Shakespearean experience staged in GTA Online, will hit U.S. theaters in 2025.
The documentary follows the journey of the in-game theatrical production, which first gained attention at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival and won the Innovation Award at the 2022 Stage Awards.
From Pandemic Fun to Grand Production
The project began in 2020 when director Pinny Grylls and actor Sam Crane, inspired by their son playing GTA Online, decided to create a theatrical experience within the game.
What started as a fun idea quickly grew into a full-scale production of Hamlet, despite the many challenges that came with producing a Shakespeare play in the chaotic world of GTA Online.
Overcoming Challenges in GTA Online
The documentary highlights the difficulties faced by the production team, including griefers, environmental issues, and finding the right venue.
Players would often disrupt the performance by chasing the cast in helicopters or attacking them with explosives. The biggest concern, however, was whether anyone would care enough to audition for the roles or watch the performance.
A Tale of Community and Creativity
Grand Theft Hamlet is not just a documentary about creating a Shakespeare play in GTA Online.
It also tells the story of how the production brought people together during the isolation of the pandemic, offering a sense of community and creativity when it was most needed.
The documentary will be available in U.S. theaters starting January 17, 2025, offering a unique look at the intersection of gaming and theater.
