The second GTA 6 trailer is hinting at a nostalgic connection to the franchise's past.
Rockstar Games' HD Universe titles might take place in a separate continuity from its 3D Universe games, but that doesn't mean Rockstar is above bringing back certain characters, or at least, making references - with the recent drop of Trailer 2, fans are convinced another familiar face is making a loud return.
In the first Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer, we found what looks like the remains of the Vercetti Estate, the home of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City protagonist, Tommy Vercetti. It's just one of the many references and cameos that GTA 6 trailer makes, and you'd best bet that the second trailer has a couple of its own. While we're not quite done analyzing every frame of the new trailer, one character that stood out from everyone else, even Lucia and Jason, is Phil Cassidy.
Now, we aren't quite sure that it's him yet, but consider this: the NPC appears in a shop named "Phil's Ammunition", sports the same mullet that he did in the 1980s, and he's the one advertising what we can only presume his own shop. Of course, Phil did later lose an arm (this guy has two) and he started ditching his mullet in favor of a more formal crew cut in his later appearances, so maybe it's not him.
Yet, even if it isn't Phil, it's clear Rockstar Games threw him in there to put a smile on long-time Grand Theft Auto fans. For those that don't know, Phil Cassidy is a recurring character from the early GTA games, appearing in GTA: Vice City and Grand Theft Auto III and other smaller titles, even being mentioned in Manhunt.
Phil Cassidy, or a guy that looks like him, is the first "official" appearance of a classic GTA character in GTA 6 so far. Given how much details Rockstar is clearly packing in GTA 6, it's safe to assume that there'll be more. Perhaps we'll get confirmation that Tracey de Santa is indeed in Vice City, as noted by earlier observations.
If that's the case, then it wouldn't be far-fetched to assume that Rockstar might bring back Michael de Santa in GTA 6, or in the final DLC for Grand Theft Auto Online. GTA 6 is set for a May 26, 2026 release on the PS5 and Xbox Series S/X. There's no word on the PC port yet. However, Rockstar has already updated the official GTA 6 website with tons of new content and it's expected that more will be coming over the next year.
