Twisted Metal’s Anthony Mackie Sets the Scene for the Dystopian Series

Anthony Mackie, known for his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), is set to star in Peacock's highly anticipated TV adaptation of the popular video game series, Twisted Metal. Mackie believes that the timing of the adaptation couldn't be more fitting.

In a recent interview with Inverse, the actor shared his thoughts on the upcoming action-comedy series created by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, the talented writers behind Zombieland and Deadpool. Despite the original Twisted Metal game being released in 1995, Mackie is convinced that the franchise's violent dystopian backdrop and its exaggerated social satire will resonate with contemporary audiences. He expressed, "In real life, we are witnessing a gradual divide between the privileged and the underprivileged. We find ourselves living in gated communities and unaffordable neighborhoods. It's increasingly becoming a real-life class struggle, and that's precisely what this show aims to highlight."

Anthony Mackie as Twisted Metal's John Doe

The Twisted Metal adaptation was announced back in 2021 and underwent extensive filming last year. Mackie takes on the role of John Doe, an amnesiac milkman who originated in Twisted Metal: Black on the Playstation 2. In the series, Doe is compelled to transport a mysterious package across a post-apocalyptic landscape while facing off against dangerous marauders, including the menacing clown Sweet Tooth. The character of Sweet Tooth is portrayed by professional wrestler Samoa Joe, with the voice provided by Will Arnett, known for his role in Bojack Horseman. Stephanie Beatriz, recognized for her work in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, joins the cast as a new mercenary character named Quiet, while Thomas Haden Church portrays the altruistic Agent Stone.

Twisted Metal is a renowned vehicular combat game series published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Since its inception in 1995, the franchise has released eight games across various Playstation consoles and handheld devices. Each game revolves around a brutal demolition derby hosted by the enigmatic figure Calypso, who promises to grant a wish to the sole survivor of the competition. Sweet Tooth swiftly emerged as the franchise's mascot and is playable in every installment, driving his modified ice cream truck. The most recent entry in the series was a 2012 reboot titled Twisted Metal for the Playstation 3.

In addition to Twisted Metal, Mackie will also star in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe film Captain America: Brave New World, set for release in 2024. The actor reprises his role as Sam Wilson, who first appeared as The Falcon in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and later assumed the mantle of Captain America in Avengers: Endgame. Brave New World continues the narrative from the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and features the return of The Leader (Tim Blake Nelson) and Betty Ross (Liv Tyler) from the 2008 MCU film The Incredible Hulk. Harrison Ford will make his debut in the MCU as Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, taking over the role previously portrayed by the late actor William Hurt.

Twisted Metal premieres exclusively on Peacock on July 27.

Via Inverse