Fans of the GTA series are excited about the possibility of Tommy Vercetti making a comeback in GTA 6. But will he actually return?
For those who have been following the GTA franchise, you might already know that GTA 6, expected to release in 2025, won’t be the first time we’re visiting Vice City.
Back in 2002, we explored this Miami-inspired city in GTA: Vice City, and now that we’re heading back, many are wondering if Vice City’s famous character, Tommy Vercetti, could make a return.
Who Is Tommy Vercetti?
Tommy Vercetti first appeared in GTA: Vice City, which came out in 2002.
He was a former member of the Forelli Crime Family in Liberty City and was sent to Vice City to manage a drug deal that quickly went wrong.
As Tommy searches for the lost drugs and money, he builds his own criminal empire, eventually becoming the leader of Vice City by eliminating all his rivals.
Different Rockstar Universes
Before we speculate further, it’s important to know that Tommy Vercetti exists in a different universe from GTA 6.
Rockstar Games has divided its games into three separate universes:
- 2D Universe – Includes GTA 1 and 2
- 3D Universe – Includes GTA 3, Vice City, San Andreas, Liberty City Stories, and Vice City Stories
- HD Universe – Includes GTA 4, 5, Online, and now GTA 6
Since Tommy is part of the 3D Universe, he technically doesn’t exist in the HD Universe, where GTA 6 is set. However, Rockstar might still reference him in some way in the new game.
Is Tommy Vercetti Still Alive in GTA 6?
Whether Tommy Vercetti is still alive in GTA 6 is unknown. Vice City’s story happens in 1986, while GTA 6 is likely set in 2025.
Tommy survives the events of Vice City, so he could still be around in 2025, though he would be 64 years old by then.
In GTA: San Andreas, which takes place in 1992, a character named Ken Rosenburg tries to call Tommy, but Tommy doesn’t answer.
His secretary says Tommy isn’t taking calls, which suggests he’s still alive at that time.
However, being the kingpin of Vice City is dangerous, and there’s no guarantee he will survive until the events of GTA 6.
Ray Liotta’s Legacy
Tommy Vercetti’s fate might be unclear, but we know that his voice actor, Ray Liotta, passed away in May 2022 at the age of 67.
Liotta was still actively working, so it’s possible he recorded some lines for Tommy before his passing if Rockstar planned to bring the character back.
However, given Liotta’s iconic performance, it’s unlikely that Rockstar would recast the role for a cameo in GTA 6.
Tommy Vercetti References in GTA 6
Even though we’ve only had a brief look at GTA 6, there are already hints that Tommy Vercetti’s legacy lives on.
In the first GTA 6 trailer, the Ocean View Hotel, which was Tommy’s first safehouse in Vice City, can be seen in a shot of the city streets.
Other familiar locations like the Ocean Heights Apartment or Hyman Condo might also show up in GTA 6, but the return of Vercetti Estate seems less likely.
