In February 2025, Tampa, Florida, found itself at the center of speculation after a high-profile film shoot sparked rumors about its connection to the highly anticipated video game, Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6). The production, featuring police chases, staged gunfire, and carjackings, bore a striking resemblance to elements commonly found in Rockstar Games’ flagship franchise.
With GTA 6 confirmed to be set in a fictionalized version of Miami (Vice City), fans quickly linked the Tampa shoot to the game’s marketing or live-action promotional content. However, despite strong circumstantial evidence, Rockstar Games has yet to confirm any involvement.
What Happened in Tampa?
Reports indicate that a film crew was spotted in downtown Tampa filming intense action sequences featuring actors in casual streetwear, police vehicles, and chase scenes. According to local sources, the production had secured an official film permit under the name “Five Stars Movie LLC.”
The permit name immediately caught the attention of GTA fans. In the Grand Theft Auto series, “five stars” represents the highest wanted level in the game, leading many to speculate that the name was an intentional reference.
Additionally, the scenes filmed closely resembled leaked gameplay footage from GTA 6, which featured similar urban environments, police interactions, and character designs. The presence of actors dressed in outfits resembling leaked character models further fueled the speculation.
Could This Be a GTA 6 Live-Action Promotion?
Rockstar Games is known for keeping its projects tightly under wraps, rarely engaging in traditional marketing strategies. However, the gaming industry has seen a rise in cinematic live-action promotional campaigns for major titles.
For example:
- Call of Duty and Assassin’s Creed have used real-world cinematics to promote their games.
- GTA 5’s promotional strategy included interactive trailers and teasers with immersive in-game cinematics.
- Red Dead Redemption 2’s marketing campaign involved teaser drops that built suspense for months before release.
Given that GTA 6 is one of the most highly anticipated games in history, a cinematic marketing approach wouldn’t be surprising. However, Rockstar has yet to confirm any such plans.
Official Statements (Or Lack Thereof)
As the rumors gained traction, director Todd Wiseman Jr., who was involved in the Tampa shoot, was asked about its purpose. His response? He refused to confirm or deny any association with GTA 6.
Rockstar Games, owned by Take-Two Interactive, has also remained silent. The company is known for not responding to speculation and has a history of keeping surprises under wraps until they are officially revealed.
Why Tampa? Could It Be a Stand-In for Vice City?
Fans have speculated that Tampa’s urban landscape could serve as a stand-in location for Vice City, the Miami-inspired setting of GTA 6. While Miami is the primary influence, Rockstar may have filmed in Tampa due to logistical reasons such as:
- Lower filming costs compared to Miami.
- More control over street closures and permits.
- Fewer public distractions while shooting action sequences.
Leaked Footage and the Growing Hype
GTA 6 has been the subject of multiple leaks, including footage showcasing:
- A male and female protagonist (inspired by Bonnie and Clyde).
- Expanded AI interactions, allowing NPCs to behave more realistically.
- A massive open-world environment, including locations resembling South Florida.
These leaks have contributed to skyrocketing hype, making any possible connection between Tampa’s shoot and GTA 6 even more intriguing.
Other Possibilities: Could It Be an Unrelated Production?
While the evidence suggests a potential GTA 6 connection, it is also possible that the Tampa shoot was for an entirely different project. The similarities to the GTA universe could be coincidental, and the “Five Stars” reference might be unrelated.
Without official confirmation from Rockstar, it remains speculation.
Final Thoughts: What We Know So Far
- A high-budget film shoot took place in downtown Tampa in February 2025.
- The project was registered under “Five Stars Movie LLC”, referencing GTA’s wanted level system.
- Action sequences involving police chases, carjackings, and shootouts were filmed.
- Director Todd Wiseman Jr. refused to confirm or deny a GTA 6 connection.
- Rockstar Games has remained silent on the matter.
For now, fans will have to wait for official confirmation or further evidence. Until then, speculation about a GTA 6 live-action promotion will continue to dominate gaming forums and social media.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
A senior at Yale-NUS College with interests in developmental and labour economics, as well as creative non-fiction and poetry. Currently, I’m studying as an Economics major and an Arts and Humanities minor (focusing on Creative Writing) with heavy involvement in the Singaporean journalism scene and involved in research on economic history and educational policy. I’m working as an author for SKC News, Yale-NUS’ student publication, as a writer for Wingspan, Yale-NUS’ alumni magazine, and as a tutor for the NUS Libraries Writer’s Centre. | Linkedin