AI REIMAGINES HOW ICONIC GTA CHARACTERS WOULD LOOK IN 2024

Where would they be if they took the righteous path?

With the huge impact of the Grand Theft Auto VI trailer hitting YouTube recently, households up and down the UK are re-living the nostalgia of the previous editions in an exciting build up to the game’s release in 2025.

The first trailer itself earned the title of the ‘most watched video in 24 hours’ (now sitting at a whopping 175 million views), and Google searches surrounding the second trailer’s release are up a whopping 4,600% in the past 30-days*. With this huge demand in mind- and the pre-order period on the horizon – it’s clear that fans and enthusiasts will be reminiscing on all things GTA, including the classic characters that they know and love.

But, what would these characters be up to in 2024, and where would they have ended up if they took the righteous path? Yugo, the global student living operator and brand, has used the power of AI to re-imagine GTA’s most prolific characters – picturing how they would look in the modern day – based on their roles in the original games.

Trevor Philips

As one of the three main protagonists in GTA V – Trevor is a beloved character by many fans thanks to his unwavering loyalty, unpredictable behaviour, and exciting air traffic missions.

With his storyline leaving hints that he was previously a military pilot, Trevor’s aeronautical obsession would have been sure to influence his life after GTA. In 2024, after reforming from his former lifestyle, Trevor would be well suited as a private pilot (perhaps hauling Taylor Swift on her controversially short flights).

Michael De Santa

Michael was another of GTA V’s protagonists alongside Trevor, whose story seemingly concluded with him faking his death to live a peaceful life with his family. But, when he got pulled back into his old lifestyle, Michael struggled between his ‘good’ and ‘evil’ tendencies.

Fast forward to this year, Michael would have had time to process his past life, emotions and issues, leaving his past self behind and re-igniting his true passions – family, film, and fantasy. Michael expresses his love for films (in all genres) within the games. This, alongside his detail-oriented brain, leadership mentality, and enthusiasm for a great story, leads to his perfect career being in directing. Now that is a movie we’d love to see.

Franklin Clinton

Franklin concludes our trio of protagonists in the GTA V game. Known for his absurd levels of ambition, calmness in a tricky situation, and iconic canine companion named Chop – Franklin is a fan favourite for many reasons.

In 2024, following his notorious past in Los Santos, Franklin’s desires to make something more of himself would take centre stage. Franklin’s cool, calm and collected personality, alongside his love for dogs, and feelings of higher purpose mean he would be a brilliant vet. Let’s just hope none of his former antagonists have pets…

Big Smoke

Listen – according to the games, Big Smoke is no longer with us. But, this article is all about what would have happened if these iconic characters took the righteous path – and Big Smoke could have been a great man.

An iconic character in the San Andreas game, Big Smoke was a jolly yet reckless figure who loved to eat. In fact, he is probably most known for his iconic order at Cluckin’ Bell, which many fans can now quote off by heart. So, what better career for a character that loves food, than a chef? Just imagine it now – we’ll get two number nines…

Tommy Vercetti

Tommy Vercetti is the protagonist of GTA Vice City, one of the franchises most iconic games. Tommy built his own empire and is known as the city’s kingpin.

Despite his loyalty to his friends, Tommy comes across as very independent, and prefers to be the boss of his own actions. And, above all else, Tommy loves two things – money, and Miami. Thanks to all of these attributes, Mr Vercetti wouldn’t suit anything but a leadership role in 2024– and where better than a swanky club empire for him to reside? Just imagine how exclusive those tickets would be…

Niko Bellic

Main character of the fourth edition of the GTA games, Nico Bellic is a Serbian veteran hungry for retribution after his military unit was betrayed, almost leading to his untimely death.

In contrast to the usual association of GTA characters, Niko is actually seen to be empathetic, controlled, and rational. He avoids conflict where possible, he prefers a soft drink, and is unusually mature for his age. This, paired with his history, could lead him on a great journey of reformation – eventually leading him to help others, too, as a therapist for other veterans in today’s modern day. You can enter Mr Bellic’s office now.

To find out more about Yugo, please visit here.