GTA and RDR Creator Explains Why Rockstar Prefers Working with Lesser-Known Actors

Experienced well-known actors often perform poorly.

Rockstar Games has access to huge budgets and resources, but the creators of Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption prefer to choose lesser-known talents for their projects rather than top Hollywood stars.

As the release of Grand Theft Auto VI approaches, some gamers recalled an archived interview with Rockstar co-founder Sam Houser. During a discussion about GTA: Vice City, the developer mentioned that big stars are not "passionate" about their work:

It's much easier to work with someone who is passionate and enthusiastic than with someone who has already starred in hundreds of films. Sometimes you invite a celebrity, and they literally just read the script – they need a check, and they want to leave as soon as possible. I find such an attitude offensive and depressing.

There is also another interview with developer Dan Houser. He spoke about an incident where he and Burt Reynolds argued over the direction of a GTA: Vice City scene. At one point, the actor shouted, "Get this Englishman out of here."

Later in the interview, Houser said:

We no longer invite famous actors – because of their ego and, most importantly, because we believe we achieve a better immersion effect by using talented actors whose voices are unfamiliar to you.