I’ve watched countless renditions of Hamlet, with various actors bringing new life to Shakespeare’s timeless tale on stage and in films. However, Grand Theft Hamlet offers a truly unique twist by setting the classic play within the chaotic universe of GTA Online. This upcoming film isn’t just a straightforward adaptation of the play; it’s a documentary that dives into the intricate process of staging and organizing this ambitious project.
Helmed by the talented duo, Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane—who are not only married but also hail from the U.K.—the project was born out of the pandemic. With global lockdowns in full swing and stage performances at a standstill, Crane found himself without the usual acting gigs. That’s when the couple decided to turn to video games as an unconventional stage and captured their journey in this documentary.
The end product promises to oscillate between being hilariously absurd and surprisingly poignant, as the trailer suggests. While random players disrupt the proceedings, the film highlights the surprising camaraderie and support from gamers who band together to help bring this quirky endeavor to life, despite the game’s inherent challenges. It’s precisely this kind of unconventional art project that really captivates me.
Mark your calendars as Grand Theft Hamlet makes its way to theaters on January 17, with a streaming release on Mubi following soon after.