The long wait forGrand Theft Auto 6is finally entering its final stretch with Rockstar still currently standing firm on the project’s 2025 release window. The upcoming title is already being touted as one of the most anticipated gaming releases of all time and is expected to break its predecessor’s record-breaking profitability while potentially re-writing the pricing structure of AAA releases.
This has led to massive expectations being placed onGrand Theft Auto 6in terms of its size and wide range of in-game experiences, with there being massive potential in the title’s core setting of Vice City and its surrounding areas. The sheer size ofGrand Theft Auto 6should allow the title to build upon the gameplay ofGTA 5quite significantly, and smartly utilized cameos from other Rockstar releases is one element ofGTA 5that left a lot to be desired. Of all the characters that could potentially appear inGTA 6while still making sense within its world, there is a great case forBully’s Jimmy Hopkins to finally get the modern-day appearance that he deserves in the title.
Jimmy Hopkins Would Fit Right Into the World of Grand Theft Auto 6
Bullyis considered to be one of the most cult-classic Rockstar releases, with the controversy that surrounded the game’s original release in 2006 eventually subsiding and allowing it to maintain a reputation as a deeply enjoyable open-world experience. As a story-driven third-person game with a focus on sandbox exploration and violence,Bullyhas always been seen as a spiritual extension of theGrand Theft Autofranchise, toning down the more graphic themes of the latter within the context of a rough-and-tumble private boarding school.
The early controversy aroundBullysaw the game have to be released in certain regions under the nameCanis Canem Edit, with the game even facing outright bans in some countries.
InBully, the player fights their way through the social ranks of Bullworth Academy as 15-year-old Jimmy Hopkins, the game’s major protagonist, with Jimmy appealing to fans greatly through his confidence, wit, and forceful sense of morality. The success ofBullyhas led to many hopes of a sequel or a remake over the years—much lessrumors around the development ofBully 2surfacing every so often—although it still seems that such a project would be very far away.
Rockstar has done very little with theBullyfranchise since 2006, despite the passionate community that still exists around the game to this day, and a cameo from Jimmy in the upcomingGTA 6could be an excellent way to repay the patience of these dedicated fans. IfGTA 6is set in 2025, then Jimmy Hopkins would be in his early 30s, making him the perfect age for an appearance as a minor character in the title while fully embracing the more mature themes thatGrand Theft Autois known for.
There Are Enough Links Between GTA and Bully To Warrant a Jimmy Hopkins Appearance in GTA 6
TheBullyfranchise has been referenced inGTAbefore, with Bullworth Academy appearing briefly in a TV show withinGrand Theft Auto 5, giving enough prior clarification to suggest that both franchises are loosely set within the same universe. It would be fascinating to see how Jimmy’s life may have unfolded since the events ofBully, and while it would be a shame to see the character still locked into a life of crime, his antics throughout the course ofBullycould easily see Jimmy feel right at home withinGTA 6’s wacky cast of characters.
Of course, Jimmy does not have to appear in the game as a prominent side character, but it would be nice to at least see a brief appearance or direct reference to the character, given the mystery that surrounds his adult life.TheBullyandGTAfranchises have existed closely with each other for almost two decadesat this point, andGrand Theft Auto 6is in a perfect position to finally see these two beloved Rockstar IPs collide logically and satisfyingly.
