GTA Movie, Possibly Starring Eminem, Shot Down By Rockstar

“Grand Theft Auto” creators Rockstar Games shot down rumors Tuesday (February 5) that a “GTA” movie starring Eminem was almost green-lighted last year.

On Tuesday night, Variety reported that “a deal was virtually in place with one of the six major movie studios” to begin development of a “GTA” movie, possibly starring Eminem. But the deal, according to the report, fell through for unknown reasons.

Reached for comment by MTV News, Dan Houser, vice president of creative at Rockstar, said no movie was ever in the works. “Not as far as we are concerned,” he said via e-mail. “Some movie producers were trying to put something together to entice us to make a movie, as studios and production teams frequently have done in the past. This proposal was no more interesting than the numerous others we receive. We never entertained proceeding with the project.”

A “GTA” movie would likely be a successful affair. The series has sold more than 65 million copies, according to publisher estimates. Its next installment, “Grand Theft Auto IV,” stands to be one of the year’s biggest entertainment blockbusters, video games or otherwise.

But Houser not only shot down the prospect of the latest rumored “Grand Theft” project — “Rockstar was not involved in this project in any way, shape or form,” he wrote — but he also nixed the plans for any upcoming movie based on the series. “It is not something we are currently interested in.”

Variety had reported that Rockstar’s owner, Take-Two Interactive, had been keen on the movie deal. “Then, at the last minute, it all fell apart,” wrote the trade’s Ben Fritz. “I’m told Take-Two couldn’t finalize terms with the studio, though I’m not sure if it was a purely financial issue or if, in the end, the publisher got cold feet about giving away rights to its baby.”

Whatever the case, Rockstar’s Houser clearly wasn’t having it.

And what about the supposed involvement of one of the world’s most famous rappers? Was he really up for the role? Requests for comment from Eminem’s representatives were unanswered by press time.

Source: MTV