“We’re cooked, chat.” That’s the sentiment sweeping through the Red Dead Redemption fandom after what seemed like a thrilling tease turned out to be little more than a fan meet-and-greet announcement. Rob Wiethoff, the voice behind the iconic John Marston, has now come forward to clarify comments he made that many believed hinted at a major game-related reveal. And yes it’s not what fans had hoped for.

A Tease That Lit the Fuse

It all began when Rob Wiethoff and Roger Clark (the voice of Arthur Morgan) appeared on a livestream and mentioned that they would be revealing some “exciting news” soon. The moment the words left their mouths, speculation ignited across the Red Dead community. Was Rockstar finally about to announce a Red Dead Redemption remake? A Red Dead Redemption 3 teaser? DLC for Red Dead Redemption 2?

With Rockstar famously silent and secretive, any scrap of information tends to carry weight especially when it comes from the two beloved faces (and voices) of the franchise. Fan theories went wild. Forums lit up. Content creators began speculating. The hype train was at full speed.

The Reality Check: It Was a Fan Convention

The “exciting news” turned out to be an announcement for a Red Dead Redemption cast reunion panel at the National Gaming Expo in Chicago, taking place August 8–10, 2025. The event will feature Wiethoff, Clark, and other cast members in what promises to be a heartfelt and entertaining live panel. For fans attending the expo, it’s a rare and exciting chance to see the cast in person, share stories, and celebrate the franchise.

But for those hoping for an actual game announcement? It was a letdown.

Rob Wiethoff Clears the Air

Facing the unexpected backlash and disappointment from the community, Rob Wiethoff addressed the situation with sincerity in a recent follow-up stream:

“I don’t want to mislead anyone. I never meant to get hopes up the way I did. I can’t speak for Rockstar Games or make announcements for them. I just got excited about this opportunity to reunite with the cast, and I wanted to share that.”

Wiethoff’s statement struck a more grounded tone, and while many fans appreciated the honesty, it didn’t erase the sting of what some called a “bait-and-switch.”

Roger Clark also acknowledged the confusion, apologizing for the vague phrasing and echoing Wiethoff’s message that they’re just the actors, not decision-makers at Rockstar.

A Lesson in Hype

In an era of carefully managed marketing campaigns and community-driven hype cycles, this situation serves as a reminder of just how easy it is for anticipation to outpace reality. When two of the most recognizable voices in gaming hint at “exciting” news, it’s not unreasonable for fans to dream big. But it also highlights the thin line between building engagement and accidentally misleading a passionate fanbase.

Rockstar Games, for their part, has remained completely silent. No new Red Dead projects have been confirmed, no remasters announced, and no DLC teased. Their focus appears to remain on GTA VI, slated for release in 2025.

Still, A Cool Event for Devoted Fans

While it wasn’t the next chapter in the Red Dead saga, the National Gaming Expo reunion is still a big deal for die-hard fans. Wiethoff and Clark have developed a loyal following, and this in-person panel is a rare opportunity to interact with them beyond the screen. The event is likely to include live Q&As, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of fan interaction.

For those attending the expo, it will surely be a memorable moment even if it’s not the Red Dead Redemption 3 trailer fans were secretly hoping for.

Rob Wiethoff’s candid admission shows how much he respects the fan community, even if the message didn’t land the way he intended. As for Red Dead’s future? Only Rockstar knows for sure.