Ned Luke Defends GTA 6 Graphics From Critics

Ned Luke, the actor who played Michael in GTA 5, has strongly defended Grand Theft Auto 6's visuals, calling critics who say it looks too similar to the

Ned Luke, the actor behind Grand Theft Auto 5's Michael De Santa, has dismissed criticisms that Grand Theft Auto 6 looks too similar to its predecessor. In comments made during collaborations with YouTube channels Partychat and House of Highlights, Luke said those holding that view are "out of their minds."

While not part of the new game's cast, the veteran actor has stepped in to refute online skepticism. This follows the recent release of an extended look at the upcoming title.

Actor Praises Technological Leap

Luke pointed to fundamental advancements in the game's presentation. "This looks nothing like Grand Theft Auto 5," he stated firmly. He specifically highlighted the improved character animations as a key area of progress.

"Watch the way the people move," Luke continued. "The walks are actual human walks." He contrasted this with his own experience, noting that in GTA 5, his character's legs "always had this little bend in them."

The actor framed this as part of a natural evolution for Rockstar Games. "The technology has grown by leaps and bounds," he said. He drew a parallel to the jump between Grand Theft Auto 4 and Grand Theft Auto 5, asserting that the older game's graphics "weren't even close."

Dismissing Comparisons to Red Dead 2

Luke also directly addressed comments comparing GTA 6's visuals to 2018's Red Dead Redemption 2. Some observers had suggested the new title did not look significantly better than that earlier Rockstar release.

He rejected this notion outright. "Sorry, guys, you're wrong," Luke said. "The graphics here beat Red Dead." He further called attention to the high level of detail shown in vehicles and effects during the extended look, mentioning planes, helicopters, and car explosions.

Luke's History of Candid Commentary

The actor behind Michael has remained an engaged figure in the Grand Theft Auto community since the 2013 game's release. He has been known to speak his mind on related topics.

In 2024, for instance, he praised the introduction of Lucia, GTA 6's female protagonist, calling it "huge." He defended the choice against criticism at the time. "You get a lot of these clowns out here going, 'Rockstar's going woke, they're caving into the wokeness of the world,'" Luke recalled. "First of all, there's been other female protagonists in the past, but not in something as huge as this."

Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 19, 2026. Rockstar has indicated more will be shown before launch.

Source: IGN