A new movie called Grand Theft Hamlet combines Shakespeare’s Hamlet with the chaos of Grand Theft Auto V.
The movie is a comedy documentary about two actors trying to perform Hamlet inside the popular video game.
The directors, Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane, came up with the idea during the UK’s 2021 COVID lockdown. Both actors were out of work and used GTA V Online to stay connected.
They decided to keep the arts alive by staging Shakespeare’s play in the game.
The movie will release in select U.S. theaters on January 17, distributed by MUBI.
A Hit with Critics
Grand Theft Hamlet has impressed critics and audiences alike. It currently holds a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 36 reviews. Critics praised its humor and creativity.
Jordan King from Empire Magazine called it “a riotously funny, unexpectedly poignant ode to gaming.” Marina Ashioti from Little White Lies rated it 4/5, saying it finds “poetic gravitas in silliness and tomfoolery.”
What to Expect
The film’s trailer shows a mix of Shakespeare’s famous lines with wild GTA antics. Scenes include SWAT teams, police chases, and even sci-fi fighter jets.
Lines like “To be or not to be” take on a new life in this chaotic world.
With such strong reviews, Grand Theft Hamlet might be one of 2025’s most unique films.
