Alright gamers, let’s dive into the family trees of some favorite virtual gangsters. We have Franklin Clinton from GTA V, Carl “CJ” Johnson from GTA: San Andreas, and Franklin Saint from the series Snowfall. Buckle up, it’s a family affair, minus those awkward Thanksgiving dinners.
Franklin Clinton (GTA V): Family Ties or Family Lies?
First up, Franklin, the ambitious hustler from Los Santos. There’s chatter in the GTA community about whether Franklin is CJ’s son. Both are sharp and climbed the criminal ladder. Is it wishful thinking or is there something more to this connection?
GTA V doesn’t drop hints about CJ being Franklin’s father. Franklin’s family is a mystery box, not a clear lineage. Remember that funny line, “Guys there was a car behind us what is my sister no wait it’s my sister.”? Family moments are unique in GTA V. He rolls with Lamar, who is like family, but blood relatives? Rockstar keeps Franklin’s life foggy.
One thing’s for sure, Franklin isn’t sending Christmas cards to the Ballas. Being part of The Families gang means they are sworn enemies. It’s the classic GTA gang rivalry. No love lost, only bullets and bad blood.
CJ (GTA: San Andreas): A Family Man (of Sorts)
Let’s cruise back to San Andreas and check in with CJ. Unlike Franklin, CJ’s family is core to his story. Dad? Nope, CJ admits, “never knew my dad.” Father’s Day was a downer for Carl.
But siblings? CJ’s crew is strong. There’s “Sweet” Johnson, his ride-or-die brother, always looking out. Sister Kendl Johnson is smart and independent, often the voice of reason. Then there’s Brian Johnson, a brother mentioned but lost before San Andreas, casting a long shadow.
Beverly Johnson, CJ’s mom, held the family together. Her untimely demise kicks off the whole San Andreas saga. Moms in GTA just can’t catch a break.
Romance? CJ has ladies in his life. Denise Robinson, whom he meets under fiery circumstances (the mission is called Burning Desire). And Millie Perkins from the mission “Key to Her Heart,” offering a different kind of relationship. CJ had options.
Franklin Saint (Snowfall): From Streets to Screens
Now on the small screen, let’s talk about Franklin Saint from Snowfall. While not in the GTA universe, the name similarity and similar themes of ambition make it fun. Franklin Saint’s family is more defined in the show.
His father is Alton Williams, played by Kevin Carroll. Alton’s presence shapes Franklin’s journey. His mother, Cissy Saint, played by Michael Hyatt, is a strong, single parent who tried to keep Franklin on the straight and narrow.
Remember Teddy McDonald? The CIA operative supposed to be an ally? He pulled the ultimate betrayal in season 5, cleaning out Franklin’s bank account. Resentment and ambition are stronger than any partnership when millions are involved. Ouch.
Age is Just a Number (in Los Santos and Beyond)
When CJ’s story starts in San Andreas (set in 1992), he’s 24 years old. Franklin Clinton in GTA V is a year older at 25. Coincidence? Maybe. Interesting? Definitely.
Franklin Saint in Snowfall? In season 3 (set in 1985), he’s just 21. Building an empire at an age when most figured out algebra. Respect.
Niko Bellic from GTA IV is 30 during his Liberty City escapades in 2008. GTA protagonists vary in age but are all about that life.
The Extended GTA Universe
Let’s not forget Michael De Santa’s son, Jimmy. Poor Jimmy. He’s the prime example of teenage angst in GTA V, constantly clashing with Michael and being a digital headache. But hey, family, right?
Behind the Characters: The Real Faces
Ever wondered who brought these characters to life? Franklin Clinton is voiced and modeled after Shawn Darnell “Solo” Fonteno. Fun fact: he’s not just an actor, but also a rapper. Talk about multi-talented.
CJ is portrayed by Christopher Bellard, aka Young Maylay. Another rapper! Seems Rockstar knows where to find authentic voices for their characters. Born in ’79, Maylay nailed CJ’s voice back in 2004.
GTA 6: Will We See Familiar Faces?
The million-dollar question: GTA 6. Will Franklin Clinton return? Solo Fonteno, himself, said probably not. He’s officially stated Franklin won’t be in GTA 6. Sorry Franklin fans, he’s sitting this one out.
What about CJ? Rumors swirl about CJ returning. Could he be back in Vice City? The internet loves a good theory, but there’s no solid evidence for CJ in GTA 6. For now, it’s firmly in the rumor category. Never say never in GTA, but don’t hold your breath.
Timeline Tidbits
To get our timelines straight: San Andreas is set in 1992, GTA 3 in 2001, and GTA IV in 2008. Los Santos in GTA V? 2013. It’s an interconnected world. Characters don’t always cross paths.
So there you have it. A deep dive into families and relationships of Franklin, CJ, and some Franklin Saint too. Family drama and gang rivalries show that family – in all its messed-up glory – is a recurring theme in these stories. Now, back to Los Santos; time to cause chaos… for family reasons, of course.
