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Peacock Announces ‘Twisted Metal’ Live-Action Game Adaptation

Based on the hugely popular PlayStation game series, the comedy series stars Anthony Mackie as John Doe; Mackie and Will Arnett are set to executive produce.

Players of Sony’s popular vehicular combat game, Twisted Metal, get ready for a wild ride! Peacock has announced a live-action-comedy adaptation of the global video game phenomenon. The half-hour TV series, inspired by the classic PlayStation game series, is based on an original take by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (Deadpool, Zombieland) about a motor-mouthed outsider offered a chance at a better life.

The series stars Anthony Mackie (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) as John Doe, a smart-ass milkman who talks as fast as he drives. With no memory of his past, John gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make his wish of finding community come true, but only if he can survive an onslaught of savage vehicular combat. Mackie also serves as executive producer.

Spearheading the project are Will Arnett and Marc Forman from Electric Avenue (Murderville) who are also set to executive produce. Michael Jonathan Smith (Cobra Kai) will serve as showrunner, writer, and executive producer for the series from Sony Pictures Television, PlayStation Productions and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group. 

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,” shared Lisa Katz, president scripted content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “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.”

The show is about a motor-mouthed outsider 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 who drives an all too familiar ice cream truck.

“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,” commented Jeff Frost, President, Sony Pictures Television Studios and Jason Clodfelter, co-President, Sony Pictures Television Studios. “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.”

“Twisted Metal is one of PlayStation’s most beloved franchises,” added PlayStation Productions head Asad Qizilbash. “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.”

Source: Peacock

Debbie Diamond Sarto's picture

Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.