A few months ago we learned that Anthony Mackie (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) was set to star in a live-action series adaptation of the hit video game franchise Twisted Metal. That series is being developed by Deadpool and Zombieland writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick so we know it’s going to have big action and fun comedy!
It’s now been announced that the series has landed at NBC’s Peacock streaming service. Michael Jonathan Smith (Cobra Kai) will serve as writer, showrunner, and executive producer. Will Arnett and Marc Forman will also executive produce the series.
The series is said to be an action-comedy, and it will center on a “motor-mouthed outsider John Doe (Mackie) who is offered a chance at a better life, but only if he can successfully deliver a mysterious package across a post-apocalyptic wasteland. With the help of a trigger-happy car thief, he’ll face savage marauders driving vehicles of destruction and other dangers of the open road, including a deranged clown named who drives an all too familiar ice cream truck, whom fans of the game will know as Sweet Tooth.”
Lisa Katz, president of scripted content for NBCUniversal Television and Streaming said in a statement, “Twisted Metal has been a global phenomenon for more than 25 years but it was the creative vision for this live-action adaptation, led by Michael Jonathan Smith, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, that blew us away. Also Anthony Mackie starring made it undeniable! This adrenalin-infused comedy series is in expert hands with our partners at Sony Pictures Television, Playstation Productions and Universal Television, and will be the perfect addition to Peacock as we continue to look for uniquely entertaining programs.”
Jeff Frost and Jason Clodfelter, co-presidents of Sony Pictures Television Studios added, “We are thrilled that our first series with our good friends at Peacock is with our amazing partners at Electric Avenue, Universal Television and colleagues at PlayStation Productions. Michael Jonathan Smith and Rhett and Paul have ingeniously brought this high-action comedy to life and we are so fortunate to have Anthony at the center of the show. We look forward to this incredible team blowing audiences away with this twisted and inventive concept.”
Asad Qizilbash, head of PlayStation Productions went on to say, “Twisted Metal is one of PlayStation’s most beloved franchises. We are thrilled to have such an amazing creative team and partners working together who have such passion for this iconic property. We can’t wait for fans to see what we have planned for them.”
I’ve been a fan of this video game franchise since it was first released in the ‘90s on the original Playstation. My brothers and I spent a lot of time playing that game, and I can’t help but think that this is going to turn out to be an awesome show!
Source: Variety