Red Dead Redemption 1 Offers an Ideal Framework for a New Protagonist

Red Dead Redemption fans find themselves in a state of suspense since the last installment dropped in 2018, and there’s no clear sign of when—or if—we’ll be saddling up for a third outing. Rockstar’s storied Western saga is celebrated for its masterful storytelling, yet as of now, the prospect of a third chapter seems to be a distant mirage on the horizon.

Only time will reveal whether a third Red Dead Redemption is on Rockstar’s agenda, particularly after the highly anticipated release of GTA 6. Until then, the future of this much-loved series remains a hotbed for speculation. A pressing question on everyone’s minds is: who will take the reins as the next protagonist? Could we see the spotlight shift to another of the Van der Linde gang’s intriguing members, like Sadie or Charles? Or perhaps Rockstar will decide to carve out a totally new narrative path, leaving the world of outlaws behind. A refreshing angle might involve turning the lens toward the evolution of the Pinkertons, as reminiscent of RDR1, which could offer an intriguing twist.

Over the years, Red Dead Redemption has brought to life the stories of notorious criminals. Sure, it’s a thrilling narrative quagmire, yet it risks becoming repetitive if not refreshed in RDR3. Perhaps the franchise has exhausted the tale of the lifelong outlaw, and shifting attention to someone abandoning an upstanding reputation for a life of lawlessness could unearth a wealth of storytelling potential.

In RDR2, the Pinkerton National Detective Agency emerged as central antagonists, further explored in RDR1’s portrayal of former head Edgar Ross taking the helm at the newly minted Bureau of Investigation. This transition skillfully illustrated the swift transformation of the Wild West into a modern society determined to crush the legacy of outlaws.

Diving into the story of a Pinkerton or an agent of the Bureau of Investigation who gradually grows disillusioned with their organization’s brutal tactics might be a compelling direction for the next protagonist. Tying the narrative back to the Van der Linde gang while still expanding the Red Dead universe, RDR3 could follow a Bureau agent under Edgar Ross who eventually becomes disgusted with his methods, much like we saw Ross’s betrayal of John Marston at RDR1’s conclusion. It would make sense for an agent to become jaded with the rigid moral lines of law enforcement.

While the Van der Linde gang has offered an engaging series of tales thus far, it might be time to step away from their drama. A new prequel could look even further back, but this presents the risk of falling into familiar patterns. Still, there’s something to be said about the appeal of revisiting beloved characters from a fresh angle or when they were markedly younger.

For now, Rockstar’s plans remain shrouded in mystery. After the dust settles on GTA 6, fans can only hope for news about what’s next for Red Dead Redemption. Until then, we wait, holding onto the hope that RDR3 emerges as an eventual reality.