By 
Few game studios generate fan theories like Rockstar Games. With Grand Theft Auto VI gameplay footage still under wraps and only a small batch of recently-released official screenshots available to them, players have been doing what they do best: dissecting every pixel for hidden meanings to fuel their theories.
One of the most viral theories to emerge goes well beyond the typical Easter egg hunt, with fans now suggesting a familial connection between GTA 6 and Red Dead Redemption 2.
At the center of the discussion is Jason Duval, one of GTA 6’s dual protagonists. Following the release of the new screenshots, fans began comparing Jason’s facial structure, expressions, and overall design to Arthur Morgan, the iconic outlaw from Red Dead Redemption 2. Side-by-side comparisons have since spread, with many arguing that the resemblance between the characters is too strong to dismiss as coincidence.
Players have pointed to specific shared traits; similar eye shapes, nose structure, rugged facial features, freckles, and even the same broody frown as evidence that Rockstar could be hinting that Jason is a descendant of Arthur Morgan, despite the games taking place more than a century apart.
The theory has also been reinforced by minor in-game details, including a weapon referred to as the “Morgan revolver,” which is a clear reference to Arthur but one fans have taken and run with now thanks to the visual comparisons between the protagonists.
However, there’s no official confirmation from Rockstar Games that any narrative link exists between the two universes to even allow this familial tie to be possible. Most theorists and fans alike acknowledge that Rockstar has a long history of inserting Easter eggs across franchises without implying shared canon, like GTA 5’s book titled ‘Red Dead’ written by a ‘J. Marston,’ which is most likely a reference to John Marston’s son, Jack.
But still, the theory has persisted and has even expanded beyond Jason alone. Some fans have argued that GTA 6’s dual-protagonist structure, featuring Lucia Caminos alongside Jason, mirrors the emotional and relational storytelling seen in Red Dead Redemption 2. That comparison has led to broader speculation that Rockstar may be reining in a shared story philosophy across both franchises, even if they are not explicitly connected.
That seems more plausible than Jason being the product of surprise Morgan lineage, given that Arthur’s only known son, Isaac, died well before the events of Red Dead Redemption 2. One could argue that this alone already weakens any direct familial link between the two characters.
More broadly, one could also point out that Rockstar frequently reuses familiar archetypes, such as outlaw couples, betrayal-driven narratives, and morally complex protagonists, without implying any literal connection between its universes. From that perspective, Jason’s resemblance to Arthur Morgan may simply reflect Rockstar’s consistent design language for rugged, grounded male leads rather than anything canonically significant.
Real or not, the theory highlights something consistent about Rockstar’s fanbase: players love searching for meaning, and as GTA 6 inches closer to release and more is revealed, these theories are likely to grow bigger and bolder. Especially if Rockstar continues its tradition of subtle references between games that fuels such responses.
For now, any confirmation that Jason Duval is related to Arthur Morgan remains purely fan speculation. Whether Rockstar has intentionally planted clues or the similarities are simply coincidental yet placed in the hands of a content-starved fan in desperate need of something to gnaw on won’t be known until GTA 6 launches on November 19, when players can finally see if the persisting theory holds any weight.
Pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto VI are now open, available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
The post The Wild GTA 6 Theory That Connects Rockstar’s Two Biggest Franchises appeared first on Den of Geek.
