It’s 2025, and I’m still thinking about the Red Dead Redemption series—those unforgettable stories of Arthur Morgan and John Marston, two of gaming’s most beloved outlaws. But let’s be real: if Rockstar ever gives us a Red Dead Redemption 3, it’s time for a fresh face to take the reins. And honestly? My heart is set on Sadie Adler stepping into the spotlight. She’s not just another gunslinger; she’s a force of nature who could breathe new life into the Wild West.

why-sadie-adler-should-lead-red-dead-redemption-3-image-0

💔 From Grieving Widow to Ruthless Hunter

The first time I met Sadie in Red Dead Redemption 2, she was a woman shattered by tragedy—her husband murdered, her home destroyed by the O’Driscolls. But wow, did she rise from the ashes! What makes Sadie so compelling is her raw, human journey. She wasn’t born an outlaw; life thrust her into it, and she adapted with grit and grace. On her farm, she and her husband shared chores equally, making her incredibly capable—whether it’s tracking, fighting, or just surviving. Her arc from a grieving wife to a cold-eyed bounty hunter is one of gaming’s most nuanced tales. It’s like watching a storm gather: quiet at first, then utterly unstoppable.

🌎 A New Frontier: South America Bound

At the end of Red Dead Redemption 2, Sadie hints at heading to South America—a land of unknowns that’s ripe for storytelling. Imagine this: a game following her as a bounty hunter in vibrant, uncharted territories. We’d get:

  • Fresh landscapes: From Andes mountains to Amazon jungles, far from the dusty trails of America.

  • New conflicts: Political unrest, exotic wildlife, and cultures untouched by the Van der Linde gang’s drama.

  • Sadie’s moral compass: How does she navigate justice in a lawless frontier? Her toughness is balanced by a hidden softness—that’s storytelling gold.

Seriously, this direction keeps the series connected to its roots while offering something totally new. And with Rockstar already exploring female perspectives in games like GTA 6, a Sadie-led story feels… inevitable, you know?

👑 Why Sadie Over Other Contenders?

Fans have tossed around names like Charles Smith or Jack Marston for Red Dead 3, but let’s break it down:

Character Why It Works Why Sadie Wins
Charles Smith Loyal, skilled, and moral—a solid choice. Sadie’s transformation is more dramatic and emotionally resonant.
Jack Marston Continues the Marston legacy. We’ve seen the "troubled male outlaw" trope; Sadie offers a fresh lens.
Dutch (prequel) Explores the gang’s early days. Sadie’s story is forward-moving, not a rehash of past events.

Sadie represents a shift—a chance to redefine what a Red Dead hero can be. She’s flawed, fierce, and unapologetically human. After two games centered on men grappling with redemption, her perspective as a woman carving her own path would hit different.

✨ The Bigger Picture: A Series Evolution

Red Dead Redemption has always been about storytelling at its finest. But repeating the same formula? That’s a risk. Sadie’s leadership could:

  • Elevate female narratives: Gaming needs more complex women leads, and Sadie is already a fan favorite.

  • Introduce new themes: Think identity, resilience, and rebuilding—not just revenge.

  • Leave room for mystery: Did she make it to South America? What adventures awaited her? The unanswered questions are tantalizing.

I’ll admit, part of me hopes Rockstar is listening. Whether it’s Sadie or another new face, the series deserves a protagonist who breaks the mold. But for now, I’ll keep dreaming of Sadie Adler, bounty hunter extraordinaire, riding into the sunset on her own terms. What about you—who would you choose to lead the next Red Dead?