Rockstar Games has quietly updated the appearance of an unnamed NPC between its first and second Grand Theft Auto 6 trailers, sparking chatter among eagle-eyed fans. The background character—seen greeting a friend in the December teaser and later posing alongside another passerby—now sports a shorter haircut, trimmed facial hair, translucent-lens sunglasses, and a backward cap, marking a clear redesign in Trailer 2’s refined footage.
The timing of this subtle makeover coincides with rumors that TikToker @zoeepoppyy alleged the early NPC bore an uncanny resemblance to him and even demanded credit from Rockstar. While the studio hasn’t officially commented, it’s far from Rockstar’s first brush with likeness claims: the “Florida Joker” controversy and Lindsey Lohan’s lawsuit over GTA 5 character art are notable precedents.
Beyond the NPC swap, Trailer 2 shattered records and showcased Rockstar’s cutting-edge RAGE 9 engine. In just 24 hours, the video amassed 475 million views, more than any non-music YouTube upload in history, and logged a staggering 112 million views in its first 13 days—nearly matching GTA 5’s trailer total over 13 years. Fans have lauded the trailer’s real-time water simulation, environmental detail, and lifelike NPC animations, crediting RAGE 9 for pushing AAA graphics into the future.
Rockstar CEO Strauss Zelnick likened the hype to that of a major film release, stressing quality over speed during a recent Take-Two Interactive earnings call. He acknowledged the disappointment over the game’s delay—now set for May 26, 2026—but underscored the studio’s commitment to delivering a polished final product that lives up to fan expectations.
Social-media reaction has been equally fervent. On Reddit and Twitter, players dissect every frame for hidden details, from familiar Vice City landmarks to potential vehicle models. The trailer’s soundtrack has even reignited interest in Pointer Sisters’ “Hot Together” and Wang Chung’s “Everybody Have Fun Tonight,” both of which saw dramatic spikes in streaming following the video drop.
As GTA 6’s development marches on, fans are braced for more surprises. Will other NPCs receive redesigns? What gameplay features lie beyond what we’ve seen? With Rockstar promising additional trailers and gameplay deep dives in the months ahead, the only certainty is that the community’s keen observations—and passionate debate—won’t let any detail slip through the cracks.
