It looks like the “we literally got insert thing here before GTA 6” meme just peaked after the actor behind Stranger Things’ Dustin Henderson made everyone in the world realize just how long Grand Theft Auto 6 has taken to make.
Gaten Matarazzo, now 23 years old, was recently approached by IGN at the Los Angeles premiere of Stranger Things season 5, where he joked about the upcoming sixthquel’s lengthy development and subsequent delay.
“We got seasons 1 through 5 before GTA 6,” Matarazzo replied, adding that he was only 11 years old when Grand Theft Auto 5 first came out in 2013. However, the Hollywood actor proved that he is indeed a true Grand Theft Auto fan when he ended the interview by giving Rockstar Games’ second delay a nod of approval, saying, “We’ll be here when it’s here.”
Indeed, Rockstar has taken its sweet time developing GTA 6. According to earlier statements, work on the sixthquel began in 2018 following the release of Red Dead Redemption 2 and the subsequent departure of Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser.
At the moment, GTA 6 is scheduled to launch on November 19, 2026, a full year from its original Fall 2025 release window and six months behind its first release date. It’s unclear if this will be the last delay for GTA 6. Based on what Rockstar has indicated so far and what Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick recently said, they aren’t going to settle for less. So if GTA 6 takes longer to be top shape, we might legitimately be looking at a 2027 release date.
Ironically, Stranger Things is no stranger to lengthy production timelines. The first season aired in 2016, with the fifth and final season dropping this November and December in three parts.
For what it’s worth, multiple sources, including a former Rockstar developer, has confirmed that GTA 6 is in final stages of its development, with the studio spotted sending out feelers for QA assurance and testers multiple times throughout the past year. In the meantime, GTA fans can keep themselves busy by enjoying Grand Theft Auto Online, which is expected to get a big update before the year ends.
