Even with what was deemed as a very violent and graphic content, "Grand Theft Auto" remains one of the most popular video games right now. The franchise has already released five titles and seems to not planning to stop anytime soon. In addition to the games, the franchise is coming up with a movie that is rumored to feature one of Britain's most popular actors.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, BBC Films is at work to make the film a reality and the network has tapped "Harry Potter" alum, Daniel Radcliffe, to star in the movie.
The 25-year-old English actor rose to fame when he portrayed the title character in the movies based on J.K. Rowling's books. It is reported that Radcliffe is now under negotiations with the production studio for the role of Sam Houser, one of the two people behind the popular video game franchise.
"Grand Theft Auto" first came out in 1997 through the work of Sam and Dan Houser. Its premise is to allow gamers to play the role of one of the main characters and let him go wild and do pretty much anything he wants to in the city he was in.
The violent and graphic nature of the game caught the attention of Florida attorney Jack Thompson who made having the game banned one of his advocacies. Prior to his crusade against "Grand Theft Auto," Thompson has already been going up at arms against some firms for allowing sex and rap to infiltrate the media.
When he took notice of "GTA," he campaigned against the video game and its glorification of violence to no end. The lawyer cited the video game as "murder simulators" and claimed that it was the reason behind numerous cases of homicide committed by young criminals, said Screen Rant.
In 2008, Thomspon was eventually disbarred due to inappropriate behavior.
BBC Films' upcoming movie would focus on the story of the Houser brothers and Thompson's battle against their work. James Wood would pen the script based on David Kushner's book, "Jacked: The Outlaw Story of Grand Theft Auto." It was previously titled, "Rockstar Games," but was eventually changed.
Owen Harris, who directed "Misfts" and 'Black Mirror," has been tapped to helm the film which is to begin production on April 20.
The role of Thompson has not been casted yet.
The two-hour drama is said to air in BBC Two, though no exact date has been released, reported Polygon.
