If you follow Rockstar Games on X (the Everything App formerly known as Twitter), you might have been taken aback by their recent post about the film Marching Powder and its star, Danny Dyer. Here's what Rockstar Games had to say:
From our friends Nick Love and Danny Dyer, the absolute legends behind The Football Factory...@MarchingPowder_ — a proper naughty comedy out tomorrow in the UK and Ireland.
Get tickets now at https://t.co/Zj4EBgRKVO and look out for details on worldwide release soon. pic.twitter.com/15u4DEpeDW
— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) March 6, 2025
This might leave fans wondering why Rockstar, a company known for its blockbuster video games, would promote a niche British film to their vast audience of 21 million followers. And who exactly is Danny Dyer? Let's delve into it.
Who is Danny Dyer?
Daniel John Dyer, commonly known as Danny Dyer, is a well-known actor from East London. In the UK, he's a household name and considered an "absolute legend," a term that, according to Urban Dictionary, signifies someone who is "funny, reckless, original and sensitive in the right measures" and embodies a persona to which others aspire.
Dyer's career began in 1993, and he has since become synonymous with portraying gritty, working-class characters. His public persona is equally bold; he's known for his outspoken views on societal and governmental issues and his "tough uncle" approach to life. For instance, in 2010, he advised a Zoo magazine reader recovering from a breakup to go "on a rampage [drinking session] with the boys."
Dyer's social media presence is also noteworthy, often filled with humorous and candid posts, such as this one:
Roll on bonfire night..........it's gonna get strapped to a great big massive fuck off Rocket so it can join the other Furbys in the sky...
— Danny Dyer (@MrDDyer) September 12, 2013
How is Danny Dyer Connected to Rockstar?
If you're a fan of the Grand Theft Auto series, you might recognize Dyer's voice as Kent Paul, the manager of the Scottish rock band Love Fist in GTA: Vice City. He reprised this role in GTA: San Andreas, managing the Gurning Chimps and later producing for rapper Madd Dogg.
However, Dyer's connection to Rockstar goes beyond his voice work. In 2004, he starred in The Football Factory, a British film directed by Nick Love and produced by Rockstar Games. This film explored themes of football hooliganism, heavy drinking, and a gritty British sense of humor.
Danny Dyer (right, wearing the tan jacket) starred in The Football Factory, which was produced by Rockstar Games. | Image credit: Vertigo Films
Marching Powder, the new film releasing in the UK and Ireland, reunites Dyer with Love, echoing themes from The Football Factory. Despite Rockstar's promotion, they have no involvement in Marching Powder; their support likely stems from their past collaboration with Dyer and Love.
Is Vice City's Kent Paul Returning for GTA 6?
There's no definitive answer yet on whether Kent Paul will return in GTA 6. The recent social media post about Marching Powder doesn't provide any clues about GTA 6.
It's worth noting that the Grand Theft Auto series is divided into two distinct universes: the 3D era (PS2 and PSP games) and the HD era (from GTA 4 onwards). These universes have separate storylines, which is why locations like Los Santos in GTA 5 differ significantly from their counterparts in San Andreas.
Tommy Vercetti tackles Kent Paul in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City | Image credit: Rockstar Games
Despite this separation, there are connections between the two universes. For example, Grove Street from San Andreas appears in GTA 5, and some gangs like the Ballas are present in both. Additionally, characters like Lazlo have appeared across both eras, and Kent Paul has his name on the Vinewood Walk of Fame in GTA 5.
While it's possible that Kent Paul could return in GTA 6, the post about Marching Powder doesn't offer any concrete evidence. Fans will have to wait for official announcements from Rockstar Games to know for sure.