‘Grand Theft Hamlet’ To Hit US Theaters This January

As a seasoned gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in various digital worlds, I can honestly say that Grand Theft Hamlet is an intriguing concept that pushes the boundaries of what gaming and storytelling can achieve. Having witnessed the evolution of online gaming from simple multiplayer arenas to complex virtual environments like Grand Theft Auto Online, it’s fascinating to see these spaces being utilized for artistic expression.

A movie, “Grand Theft Hamlet,” set to premiere in U.S. theaters in 2025, is an unusual concept: it’s a documentary-style film that features a Shakespeare play performed within Grand Theft Auto Online. However, this unconventional idea has already won awards in the UK.

As COVID-19 reached its peak, actors Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane found themselves unemployed. To find comfort, they turned to Grand Theft Auto Online. A documentary, entirely captured through the game’s interface, chronicles their quest to stage Shakespeare’s Hamlet within the game server alongside other players.

The official website of the movie provides deeper understanding as to why the virtual world was chosen as its backdrop: “It’s innovative and essential – particularly relevant in today’s world where an increasing portion of our lives, including traditional forms like live theatre, are shifting online. The documentary explores what this space represents, how we utilize it currently, and what further potential it holds. It questions whether we can place an ancient tale within a modern one, and if the story remains coherent in such a context.

The movie premiered at SXSW 2024 in the US and was awarded the Documentary Feature Jury Prize at the Austin, Texas film festival. Over in the UK, it was screened in cinemas on December 6, 2024, and has been selected for the BFI Film Festival of that year. The movie will be available for viewing at select US theaters starting from January 17, 2025.

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Check out the complete trailer at the top. As the release date gets closer, tickets for U.S. showings should go on sale.

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