With the hype growing for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), everyone is waiting to know how

Rockstar Games

will weave new stories into the rich fabric of its predecessors. In the colorful, contemporary

Vice City

, a fictionalized version of Miami,

GTA 6

has plenty of scope to bring back old favorites and tie up loose ends.

Although Rockstar Games has not made any official announcements regarding the return of any particular characters, a number of fan favorites from earlier games could reasonably appear in GTA 6:
1. Niko Bellic

The mysterious

GTA IV

protagonist Niko Bellic made a lasting impact with his rich storyline. Rumors regarding his comeback in GTA 6 have been encouraged by several leaks and fan theories. According to one such leak, Niko never got caught for his offenses in Liberty City and is hence mentioned every now and then in-game media and even in a retro-documentary about him. This story may be the precursor to his cameo or side missions participation in the new game. That being said, Michael Hollick, the actor who voices Niko, previously wasn't happy with compensation, which has been reported to have created tensions with Rockstar Games. This can be a factor on whether or not Niko will return, as recasting the character may be debatable.
2. Michael De Santa

One of the three protagonists of

GTA V

, Michael De Santa, has been mysteriously missing from all the following

GTA Online

updates, as opposed to his counterparts Franklin and Trevor. His absence has raised questions regarding his possible return in GTA 6. Some speculation suggests that Michael, who had reengaged with his filming passion, might be creating a movie in the game environment and present players with exclusive missions based on the movie business. Joining the rumors, the Michael actor, Ned Luke, has expressed hope for GTA 6, hinting that the wait would be worth it. Though he hasn't confirmed his return, his eagerness has fueled rumors regarding Michael's potential cameo or appearance in the new game.
3. Roman Bellic

Niko's cousin, Roman Bellic, with his business acumen and iconic catchphrase inviting players to a night of bowling, is another fan favorite looking to make a comeback. Speculative rumors point to Roman possibly having moved to the new game's location, possibly starting a new taxi company or other business, bringing humor and continuity from GTA IV.

Returning to Vice City provides Rockstar an opportunity to pursue a number of narrative avenues:

Though official information is still limited, the promise of interweaving GTA 6's new storyline with returning characters and existing narratives holds a lot of potential. Whether it be through cameo appearances or suggestive nods, paying homage to the series' history can add to the richness and allure of the next installment.
Also read - GTA 6 Second Trailer: Expected Release Date, Plot Details, Protagonists and More