Red Dead Redemption 3 is without doubt a highly anticipated project, but the overall Red Dead Redemption series is a victim of its own success. A potential RDR3 would face a unique challenge – carving its own path in a franchise with a legacy of deep, rich lore and iconic characters.
The previous RDR entries meticulously chronicled the rise and fall of the Van Der Linde gang and the Old West, limiting potential story directions for the third installment. However, among all this chaos with the when’s and who’s of RDR3, the return of a certain character of the previous games could prove something eerie.
A Strange Occurrence
The very first hurdle for a potential Red Dead Redemption 3 would be the availability of characters. Beloved figures like Arthur Morgan and John Marston wouldn’t be available (may their souls rest in peace) due to the timeline established in RDR2. However, amidst this limitation stands one unique exception: the enigmatic Strange Man.
He appeared in both Red Dead Redemption games, not within the core narrative but through captivating stranger missions, a hallmark of the series. These missions often feature intriguing characters, ranging from comedic to the supernatural. The Strange Man, introduced in 2010, remains one of the franchise’s most iconic figures.
The Only Recurring Character In Red Dead Redemption 3?
Shrouded in mystery, the Strange Man is presented as well-dressed and eloquent, exuding an unsettling confidence. He encounters John Marston several times, seemingly possessing an unnaturally accurate knowledge of John’s past and the consequences of the Van Der Linde gang’s life of lawlessness.
In their final encounter in the first Red Dead Redemption game, the Strange Man appears at the very spot where John will ultimately be buried. He remains unfazed when John shoots him, clearly proving his immortality.
In that same encounter, John tells him that he’ll let the appropriate authorities judge his morality, to which the Strange Man replies, “Yes you will. And they shall.” Due to this chilling exchange, many fans speculate the Strange Man to be an incarnation of Death, or maybe even the Devil himself.
While many anticipated a significant role for the Strange Man in Red Dead Redemption 2, his presence was limited to a single, cryptic reference. Players could find a portrait of him in an abandoned shack, seemingly overlooking the location of John’s former home.
This otherworldly, supernatural aspect makes the Strange Man a perfect candidate for future installments. He can apparently transcend the constraints of time, potentially appearing in any era without causing a narrative dissonance.
While referencing past games in Red Dead Redemption 3 might depend heavily on its chosen setting, the enigmatic Strange Man promises to remain a thought-provoking and elusive figure who will certainly show up in future games, regardless of where the franchise goes.
