Hamlet In GTA Online? Mubi Secures Streaming Rights For Groundbreaking Documentary

Something is rotten in the state of San Andreas.

Mubi, the art-house streaming service and distributor, has acquired the U.S. cinema rights and global streaming rights for “Grand Theft Hamlet,” a documentary that stages William Shakespeare's “Hamlet” within the fictional world of Grand Theft Auto Online.

Directed by Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane, the film follows two actors who, during the COVID-19 lockdown, decided to perform the classic play inside the virtual game.

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Staging Shakespeare During Lockdown

“Grand Theft Hamlet” was born in January 2021, when the UK was deep into its third lockdown. With theaters closed and live performances shut down, actors Crane and Mark Oosterveen found themselves without a stage.

An innovative, immersive take on Shakespeare's Hamlet, shot entirely inside the world of Grand Theft Auto, Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane's festival hit GRAND THEFT HAMLET is coming soon to US theaters + streaming globally. pic.twitter.com/6FMYCt5423

— MUBI (@mubi) October 10, 2024

Looking for a creative outlet, they began spending time in Take-Two Interactive Software Inc‘s TTWO GTA Online, eventually stumbling across a digital theater in the game. The duo then decided to bring Shakespeare's “Hamlet” to life in the virtual world of the game.

The documentary chronicles their journey, showing the technical hurdles and emotional challenges of performing the iconic play inside a chaotic video game.

The official synopsis describes it as “a ridiculous, hilarious, and moving adventure” where the actors face hostile players, known as "griefers," while exploring deeper themes of life, friendship, and art during a global crisis.

From SXSW To Worldwide Streaming

Grand Theft Hamlet made its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival earlier this year, where it won the Documentary Feature Jury Award. The film received positive reviews from critics, with IGN calling it “an irreplicable experience” and Variety praising its unique approach to staging Shakespeare as something that “changes the game.”

The documentary is set to have its UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival later this month, though all screenings have sold out. For audiences eager to see it, Mubi will release Grand Theft Hamlet globally early next year, with exact dates to be announced soon.

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Image courtesy: Mubi.