The Far Cry 6 leaks are only a few days old yet theories and rumors have already begun circulating about the identity of the main antagonist. One of the most awestriking claims is the possibility that this well-awaited sequel could potentially be a prequel to Far Cry 3, which is arguably one of the very best in the series (and in overall open-world gaming).
Bolstering this theory is one rather interesting aspect discovered in the leaked promo art, specifically the tell-tale scar on the young boy’s eyebrow. While the reveal of Breaking Bad star Giancarlo Esposito being the big baddie of Far Cry 6 may have been huge in and of itself, his character potentially playing father to the franchise’s (and gaming’s) most beloved villains may well be the most tantalizing revelation behind these leaks.
It cannot be left unstated the impact Vaas Montenegro as a video game character has had on the industry. His fluctuating emotional state coupled with his violent approach to the character’s existence made him as original as he was ruthless at the time of Far Cry 3’s debut. Yet, despite his originality, Vaas still clearly resembles similar fictional psychopaths, from DC’s Joker to Grand Theft Auto V’s Trevor Phillips - and some would even argue he’s more terrifying and unpredictable. To this very day, he remains an iconic representation of what can make villains truly compelling and it’s largely due to the incredible voice acting behind his character.
“Did I ever tell you what the definition of insanity is?”
The fact that he isn’t even Far Cry 3’s main antagonist only makes Vaas that much more enigmatic. The lens through which Ubisoft chose to depict the character is gelled within a perfect balance, depicting a caricature of villainy in the guise of an easily-empathized and oftentimes misunderstood individual. It’s this very psychopathy that makes him so unique, so feared, and so deeply connective. As John Websell writes in his (highly recommended) article on the compelling nature of Vaas as a character more so than a villain:
His violent outbursts and erratic temperament can all be chalked up to a past riddled in tragedy, much of which many hope to actually experience in Far Cry’s next installment…
“His famous ‘definition of insanity’ soliloquy, for instance, paraphrased in his own inimitable style, shows a clear understanding of the words. He’s not simply parroting a famous aphorism he once heard from a superior intellect. Moreover, the fact that he killed the man who taught him the saying, believing he was trying to “bullshit” Vaas only to realize the truth contained in these words, suggests he is a thoughtful, introspective person, capable of reasoning and clear thinking.”
In relation to Far Cry 6, speculation is running rampant. It all first began early Friday morning, when a listing for the title was discovered on the Hong Kong PlayStation store. Much like Sony’s swift action in taking the listing down, likewise was Ubisoft quick to issue a statement in the form of the above gif with Esposito’s villainous Anton Castillo toking off a fat Cuban. The top reply was the aforementioned side-by-side comparison, showing a very similar scar to Vaas’ on the right eyebrow of Anton’s son, who is named simply Diego in the leaks. If these theories are correct, Giancarlo Esposito could very well be the best Far Cry villain yet.
Adding fuel to the ever-burgeoning fire is Esposito’s Breaking Bad co-star and talent behind Vaas himself, Michael Mando, who simply commented on Ubisoft’s Instagram post with a heart emoji. It doesn’t even stop there, as Mando himself has teased a new Far Cry role in a Reddit AMA not mere months prior. Inciting fan stipulation, Mando writes in response to one fan on Reddit:
With Ubisoft Forward just around the corner, Far Cry fans await with bated breaths the cementing of this prequel theory. The only evidence against these claims comes from Vaas’ sister in Far Cry 3. After the player defeats Vaas in the mission “Payback,” Jason sits down with Citra Talugamai, who explains how Hoyt Volker (the main antagonist of Far Cry 3) “lured him away with money, drugs,” which inevitably led Vaas to leave the Rakyat tribe (as Citra says “his birthright”) to her and thereafter became “a monster.” This would then suggest that Vaas was born on the fictional Rook Islands, not the Far Cry 6 setting of Yala, which is based on Cuba.
“Vaas is my spirit animal - having co-created that character is something that will always be dear to me. I still get recognized as Vaas, and I still feel the outpouring of love for that character - makes me very happy. Who knows… maybe I will reprise the role very soon?”
Add to these theory-breakers the name Diego being associated with the young boy in question and the entire conspiracy is flipped on its head. Or, is it? After all, it wouldn’t take too much for Ubisoft to retcon a few things here and there, not to mention the fact that Citra herself is the epitome of an unreliable source, given her manipulative tactics.
Call me crazy, but I guess it’s time to dust off Far Cry 3 if not to find any hints to the upcoming title than to relive that oh-so-eloquent insanity schpeal once more.
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