Bill Paxton, who we just argued about classifying as a "legendary" actor, is reportedly on board to play former attorney Jack Thompson in the BBC Two's upcoming drama about Rockstar Games and the rise of the Grand Theft Auto franchise.
For those of you who missed the initial announcement, the BBC Films drama is based on David Kushner's 2012 book, Jacked: The Outlaw Story of Grand Theft Auto. As you can guess, the book, and subsequent film, addresses the controversy surrounding Rockstar Games' blockbuster series, including the ongoing battle between the developer and former attorney Jack Thompson.
Although GTA has a number of critics, Thompson is probably the most well-known. In 2003, he filed suit against Rockstar parent-company Take-Two Interactive, accusing the company of marketing the GTA series and Bully to minors. He continued his crusade against Grand Theft Auto, referring to it as a "cop killing simulator" throughout the decade, and was eventually disbarred in 2008 by the Florida Bar Association.
Following 2013's release of Grand Theft Auto 5, which occurred around the same time as the Navy Yard shooting, Thompson posted a lengthy letter he had written to Take-Two. Responding to our take on the issue, Thomspon got into it with GameZone editor Lance Liebl, accusing Lance of "pimping for" the video game industry.
Point being, when it comes to the history of Rockstar Games and Grand Theft Auto, you can't ignore Jack Thomspon — despite how crazy he seems.
Former Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe has already been cast as Rockstar Games president and co-founder Sam Houser.
