Technology

Original Red Dead Redemption Protagonist John Marston Secretly References Red Dead Redemption 2's Arthur Morgan

2025-12-03 03:00
401 views
Original Red Dead Redemption Protagonist John Marston Secretly References Red Dead Redemption 2's Arthur Morgan

It's easy to forget that Red Dead Redemption 2 is a prequel, but it sets up a lot of the lore found in the original game, including John's story.

Red Dead Redemption Fans Convinced They've Found Arthur Morgan Reference In First Game Disable horse holstering rdr2 mod 4 By  Chris Carter Published 51 minutes ago Chris is A Gaming Editor at ScreenRant. He has been a professional writer since 2009, and has written for top TV, comics, movie, and video game outlets like Engadget, Polygon, Destructoid, and more. He brings with him an expertise in every game genre, no matter how niche or mainstream. You may know him as the former Managing/Reviews Editor of Destructoid, where he published hundreds of game reviews across every genre, including MMOs, sports games, and Metroidvanias. Find Chris on Twitter @_SRChris. Sign in to your ScreenRant account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

Given that the original Red Dead Redemption is back in a big way with a brand-new re-release, fans are looking back at the series to see how it connects. The most obvious thread is the original hero, John Marston, and the sequel protagonist, Arthur Morgan, who went through quite a bit together.

YouTuber Indo-J also thinks they found a startling revelation from the original game that the sequel likely references. I have to say, the evidence is overwhelming.

Is Arthur Morgan In The First Red Dead Redemption?

This Saga Spans A Lot Of Sorrow

Red Dead Redemption 2 screenshots of characters mounted on horses

While Arthur Morgan isn't present in the original Red Dead Redemption, one user thinks that he is directly mentioned. In passing, NPC Bonnie MacFarlane has a conversation with protagonist John Marston about life.

John mentions the phrase "a change of pasture doesn't always make for a fatter calf," which is essentially another form of "the grass is always greener on the other side." While the NPC says that she doesn't regret her life, she wishes she were braver and had "been to more places, and seen more things." In this pivotal moment, John says, "It usually takes more strength to stay than to run, Miss MacFarlane."

The video then cuts to a crucial scene from Red Dead Redemption 2, where Arthur Morgan refuses to run, and saves John's life. "We ain't both gonna make it," Arthur says, holding off an encroaching force to help John escape and get back to his family. "You're my brother," John replies. These two have been through a lot together, and Arthur's journey and choices shaped the man John becomes later on down the line.

Arthur's Presence Is Definitely Felt

This Gang Has Bonds

Red Dead Redemption 2 Photographer Albert Mason talking to Arthur. Red Dead Redemption 2 Photographer Albert Mason talking to Arthur.

John's overall demeanor and attitude toward life seem to be affected by this moment, when Arthur sacrificed himself to save him. To say that Arthur Morgan had an impact on the original game, despite not being physically present, is an understatement.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the best-selling games of all time, but the original still holds up, especially when you factor in the Undead Nightmare DLC. If you've only played the sequel, now is a great time to dive back into its predecessor.

mixcollage-08-dec-2024-02-34-pm-9319.jpg 10/10 ScreenRant logo 9/10

Red Dead Redemption 2

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed Action Adventure Systems PC-1 Placeholder Image OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 95/100 Critics Rec: 94% Released October 26, 2018 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol Developer(s) Rockstar Games Publisher(s) Rockstar Games Engine RAGE Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Cross-Platform Play N/A Cross Save N/A Franchise Red Dead Redemption

Genre(s) Action, Adventure Powered by Game Rant logo Expand Collapse Follow Followed Like Share Facebook X WhatsApp Threads Bluesky LinkedIn Reddit Flipboard Copy link Email Close Thread Sign in to your ScreenRant account

We want to hear from you! Share your opinions in the thread below and remember to keep it respectful.

Be the first to post Images Attachment(s) Please respect our community guidelines. No links, inappropriate language, or spam.

Your comment has not been saved

Send confirmation email

This thread is open for discussion.

Be the first to post your thoughts.

  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Feedback
Recommended Magic Mike (Channing Tatum) performing a striptease with his team in Magic Mike 12 hours ago

6 Years Later, Channing Tatum & Jenna Dewan Settle Divorce Battle Over Magic Mike Earnings

The Netflix Games logo is surrounded by three images of games. 16 hours ago

Netflix Users Can Download A 10/10 Video Game Free Today

Ainsley Dale Nate Landman 17 hours ago

Landman Sets Up A Huge & Necessary Change Tommy Needs

Sheldon in Young Sheldon 12 hours ago

Unrecognizable Sheldon Actor Revives Young Amid Georgie & Mandy's Continued Absence

Trending Now The animatronics in Five Nights at Freddy's 10 Five Nights At Freddy's Animatronics Missing From The First Movie Shin Hye-sun pouting as Kim So-yong in Mr. Queen. 20 Best K-Dramas About Secret Identities Nathan Fillion's Guy Gardner squaring up to Superman in the Superman movie. Lanterns' First Trailer May Have Just Confirmed A Major DCU Justice Society Theory