The Grand Theft Auto Movie You’ve Probably Never Heard Of (2024)

It doesn’t matter whether you’re an avid gamer; you've likely heard of the Grand Theft Auto series. If you haven’t, well, then it’s your lucky day. Developed by Rockstar Games, GTA is one of the most successful game franchises of all time, piling up awards (and a few billion dollars as well) since its first title was released in 1997 for PC and PlayStation 1.

Now, if you are a gamer, there is a possibility that you have asked for Grand Theft Auto as your Christmas gift. But Santa, being an elderly fellow not very up-to-date with the latest trends and all, instead got you a nice DVD or VHS (geez, you’re getting old) version of a classic comedy directed and starred by Ron Howard, which left you unsure of anything else in your life. But rest assured: today, your doubts will be resolved.

Grand Theft Auto, the Film

In 1977, most people would recognize Ron Howard as the endearing child actor who played the son of Andy Griffith in The Andy Griffith Show. He would still make minor appearances in other works, including some titles well-known to the greater public, such as M*A*S*H or American Graffiti. Grand Theft Auto, released in theaters in the aforementioned year, would mark Howard’s directorial debut.

A classic road comedy film, Grand Theft Auto stars Howard himself, who also shares the writing credits with his father, Rance Howard. The movie follows the misadventures of Sam Freeman, a college student in love with his wealthy classmate, Paula Powers, played by Nancy Morgan. However, Paula is “promised” to Collins Hedgeworth, who her parents see as a perfect match for her.

When Paula reveals she is actually in love with Sam, her parents become infuriated and say they will never allow it. The young couple realizes there is no other way but to steal Paula’s parents' Rolls-Royce and race towards Las Vegas to make their union official. A wild chase across the desert ensues, which gradually turns into a snowball, involving more people, more cars, and more trouble.

Grand Theft Auto falls short of the expectations of the debut of Ron Howard as director. Like a mixture of Fast and Furious with Wacky Races, the film’s essence consists of tons of cars getting smashed, which does not necessarily occur for storytelling purposes. Like a child playing with cars, Howard seemed to enjoy himself on and off-screen. The result was a commercial success, earning $15 million at the box office against an approximate $600,000 budget, but had a rough time among critics.

You might be asking: OK, but what is the relation between Grand Theft Auto, the Ron Howard film, and Grand Theft Auto, the game franchise? In one word: none. As far as anyone knows, the game had no inspiration from the film whatsoever. Both the film and the game got their titles from the crime of stealing an automobile, a felony abundantly committed in both. Even so, the film and the game series would unintentionally cross paths – or almost.

When the Grand Theft Auto Film and Game (Nearly) Met

In 2008, rumors pointed to a much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto: The Movie. A script had been written by Jason Dean Hall – who, by the irony of fate, would happen to be the writer for Gran Turismo, another video game movie. By then, with GTA as one of the most popular game franchises after the release of GTA IV, the connection between the names could only be expected. However, the project was actually intended to be a remake of Ron Howard’s Grand Theft Auto.

The film would center on a young ex-convict forced to be brought back to action as he sees his repo yard facing foreclosure. Things quickly go south as his uncle’s cocaine business is dismantled, with all the drugs stolen and the fault landing on his lap. Amidst all the chaos, the young con kidnaps the daughter of a mafia boss and intends to make his way to Las Vegas to recover the lost merchandise, stealing one car at a time.

Having a good look at it, for a Grand Theft Auto remake, this plot remarkably resembles the video games. It contains some of the original film’s elements, like a desperate race to Vegas and a distressed “couple,” but with the criminal setting and all, it could easily be the story for any of the titles in the game series.

The feature was eventually canceled since it got estranged from the premise of Ron Howard’s uncommitted, cringeworthy road comedy. With the elements from the game “borrowed” by Hall for his script, the project would largely benefit from GTA’s brand recognition if the project went ahead.

Ultimately, the film lay in limbo between Howard’s and Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto. It is never too late, though, for this project to get back in the spotlight so the world can finally taste this schizophrenic yet delightful blend. People certainly wouldn’t mind if Santa surprised them once again with a new Grand Theft Auto, even if it isn't the highly anticipated sixth game.