It was recently revealed that there will be a TV drama, created by the BBC, about the creation process of Grand Theft Auto, and the controversy surrounding the content in the games. Now, Daniel Radcliffe is in talks with the BBC about possibly starring as Sam Houser, the co-founder and president of Rockstar Games.
The drama is showing how Houser and the team built Grand Theft Auto, their thought processes and influences, and the challenges they faced. One such challenge being activist attorney Jack Thompson, who was already attacking media companies in regards to pushing rap and sex into the eyes and ears of the masses.
In 2003, Thompson infamously turned his attention to GTA saying that it “glorified violence.” However, in 2008, Thompson was disbarred due to inappropriate behaviour, false statements, and humiliating litigants; he has not been allowed to practice law ever since. We are curious to see how those proceedings factor in to the show.
The role of Thomson has not yet been filled in the BBC drama.
Owen Harris is set to direct the drama, which is currently titled Grand Theft Auto, however this can change. Harris’ credits are directing episodes of Misfits and Black Mirror, and his first feature-length film Kill Your Friends.
My take
Radcliffe seems like a good choice for the role, so I’m hoping he’s cast. He may not look like Houser, but he can certainly do a good job at sounding and acting like him. I think that James Woods is a good fit for Thompson, but who would you want to see play Thompson?
Thanks Hollywood Reporter.
UPDATE
Bill Paxton is confirmed to be playing Thompson, and Radcliffe is now confirmed to be play Houser.
Header image credit to Marco Vittur via EmpireOnline.
