With Grand Theft Auto VI finally on the horizon, attention is already turning to what Rockstar Games might tackle next. While a new entry in the Red Dead Redemption series seems almost inevitable, the studio has yet to confirm any plans. That hasn’t stopped fans from passionately debating one crucial question: who should be the protagonist of Red Dead Redemption 3?
Three names consistently rise to the top of the conversation: Jack Marston, Sadie Adler, and a surprising dark horse candidate, Hosea Matthews. Each offers a distinct tone, era, and emotional hook.
Jack Marston: Continuing the Cycle
The most obvious choice is Jack Marston, picking up where the original Red Dead Redemption left off. After avenging his father by killing Edgar Ross, Jack is a hunted man. A game focused on Jack would explore the weight of his father’s legacy and whether he can escape the outlaw life that consumed John and Arthur.
Not every fan loves this idea. Some feel that Jack’s fate is too predictable—a grim continuation of a cycle that might be better left ambiguous. But a well‑written story could subvert expectations, showing Jack trying to become a writer or a rancher, only to be pulled back into violence.
Sadie Adler: The Bounty Hunter’s Path
Sadie Adler, the fiery widow turned skilled bounty hunter, is another fan favorite. Her arc in Red Dead Redemption 2—from grieving victim to fierce, independent force—made her one of the game’s most beloved characters. A game starring Sadie would allow Rockstar to explore themes of survival and justice in the post‑frontier era, while also offering a female protagonist in a genre dominated by male leads.
The risk? Sadie has fewer ties to the original Van der Linde gang’s mythology. A Sadie game might feel disconnected from the core saga, more of a spin‑off than a true sequel. But with GTA VI embracing a female co‑lead, the timing has never been better.
Hosea Matthews: The Golden Age of Outlaws
The most intriguing dark horse candidate is Hosea Matthews. A prequel focusing on a younger Hosea would transport players back to the golden age of the Wild West—a time when the Van der Linde gang was at its peak, before the inevitable decline. This setting would fulfill a common fan request: a game that lets players experience the heyday of outlaws, not just their demise.
Hosea is a smooth‑talker, a con man, and a father figure to a young Arthur and John. A game centered on him could introduce new mechanics like dialogue choices and speech checks, emphasizing his silver tongue over brute force. Players could witness key moments: Hosea meeting a younger, less unhinged Dutch, the formation of the gang’s code, and the early days of Arthur’s mentorship. An epilogue could even lead up to the infamous Blackwater heist—the event that set the stage for Red Dead Redemption 2.
If Rockstar releases RDR3, who do you want to be the protagonist?
by u/BestAd6459 in reddeadredemption
Red Dead Redemption 3 Dream Scenario: Dual Protagonists
Some fans have suggested a GTA V‑style dual protagonist system, switching between Jack and Sadie. Imagine Sadie, now a bounty hunter, being hired to track down a fugitive named Jack Marston. She recognizes the name and chooses to help him escape, setting off a cross‑country adventure where the two must rely on each other.
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The Verdict
Rockstar is spoiled for choice. Each candidate offers a unique angle: Jack’s tragic inheritance, Sadie’s fierce independence, or Hosea’s golden‑age outlawry. Whichever direction the studio chooses, one thing is certain: the next trip to the frontier will be worth the wait.