GTA 6's new trailer hints at the return of a fan-favorite character from Vice City

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 7, 2025, 22:50 IST

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The latest GTA 6 trailer has ignited fan excitement with a potential cameo from a familiar face. Phil Cassidy, the iconic explosives expert from Vice City, might be making a return as the face of Ammu-Nation. This nostalgic nod suggests a deeper connection to the franchise's roots and hints at an expanded role for the weapons store within the game.

GTA 6's new trailer hints at the return of a fan-favorite character from Vice City

(Image via Rockstar Games)

Rockstar just dropped the second trailer for GTA 6, and while the chaos, cars, and characters all grabbed attention, it’s the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment at 2:09 that’s got long-time fans buzzing. A familiar face from the Vice City era might be back—and he’s armed, iconic, and upgraded. Here's what you should know!

Phil Cassidy Could Be Making a Return

Phil Cassidy could make a return in GTA 6 (Image via GTA 6)

If you grew up blasting through missions in GTA: Vice City, you probably remember Phil Cassidy—the wild, gun-loving, one-armed explosives expert who ran a weapons shop and had a flair for chaos. His loyalty, insane war stories, and love for firepower made him one of the most unforgettable side characters in the franchise.Now, fast forward to GTA 6. At the 2:09 mark of the new trailer, there’s a TV commercial playing inside Jason and Lucia’s apartment. It’s a flashy Ammu-Nation ad—but wait—that’s Phil Cassidy! Or at least, a reimagined version of him.

He’s got the same over-the-top energy, American-flag muscle tee, and "Fully Cocked" confidence. This time, though, it looks like he’s no longer running a shady backlot gun shack—he’s now the face of Ammu-Nation, GTA’s iconic weapons chain. A full HD makeover, cleaner lines, same explosive charm.

Is It the Same Phil Cassidy?

Well… not exactly. Rockstar hasn’t confirmed if this is a continuation of the same Phil from Vice City, or simply a rebooted version adapted for the new timeline and setting of Leonida (a fictional Florida-like state).In GTA’s multiverse, characters sometimes reappear across timelines without being the “same person.” Think of this Phil as a spiritual successor—or a modern homage. But his appearance is unmistakably deliberate. Rockstar knew fans would spot it. And they did.

Grand Theft Auto VI Trailer 2

Why It Matters

This moment tells us three big things:

Nostalgia is back: GTA 6 clearly wants to nod to its roots. Vice City, the neon-soaked city fans still adore, is a huge part of the new map. Bringing back Phil, even in a new form, is Rockstar’s way of saying: “We remember what you loved.”
Ammu-Nation will play a bigger role: Having a recognizable “face” for the gun store brand—especially one with Phil’s charisma—means we’ll probably see more story and commercial elements built around Ammu-Nation.
Expect more fan-favorite callbacks: If Phil Cassidy made it in, who else might show up next? Kent Paul? Umberto Robina? We’re officially on nostalgia watch.

GTA 6 isn’t just a new game—it’s a return to vibes fans have been craving for two decades. And if Phil Cassidy’s cameo is any indication, Rockstar is about to serve up a perfect mix of new chaos and old-school charm.

About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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